Lightning strike kills worker in Al Ain

abu dhabi — An Asian worker died in Al Ain city after he was struck by lightning. The incident took place on Friday afternoon when the powerful lightning hit the roof of the house where the man was working.

Colonel Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Ansari, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, said they received a report on the sound of the lightning strike and thunderstorm, “similar to that of a gas cylinder explosion that was heard in the area”.

The fire crew and rescue teams were immediately sent to the scene but the personnel found that an Asian man in the area had already died.

Authorities confirmed that the worker was hit by lightning during the thunderstorm. His body was transferred to the hospital for an autopsy.

The lightning also caused material damage to the place, according to the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.

Al Ansari has advised people to take extra precaution during thunderstorms. He urged them to check out weather conditions or monitor weather reports in order to learn about any forthcoming thunderstorms.

“If a thunderstorm emerges, people should immediately seek shelter in a nearby building, or their homes or cars,” said the officer.

He added that people should also refrain from standing under trees or in open areas. Al Ansari noted that it’s important to instal lightning rods on the roofs of buildings and cars.

If a thunderstorm emerges, people should immediately seek shelter in a nearby building, or their homes or cars.” Colonel Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Ansari, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence