Teen dies, 2 others injured after struck by lightning

A MALE teenager died while two others, including a five-year-old girl, were injured after a lightning struck their cottage at a beach resort in Barangay Miranda, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental Sunday afternoon.

Killed was Leonard Deles, 13, of La Carlota City.

Wounded were Hob Deles, 46, and a female minor, whose name was withheld, both residents of La Carlota City.

Senior Inspector Ryan Salazar, town police chief, said the family had an outing at a resort when it suddenly rains at 2:15 p.m.

The three victims took shelter at the cottage due to the heavy downpour.

Leonard was playing a tablet when the lightning occurred.

The gadget probably attracted the lightning and hit him (Leonard) and two others who were near him, Salazar said.

They sustained injuries and were all rushed to Valladolid District Hospital, where Leonard was declared dead.

The two other victims were transferred to a private hospital in Bacolod City.

On May 25, the natural phenomenon also hit the town which resulted in the death of four persons. Six others were also injured in the incident at Barangay DSB.

One of the fatalities, who was directly hit by lightning, was allegedly having a radio which was believed to have attracted the lightning.*