Rescuers brought the injured lighting victims to the Merceditas Montilla District Hospital in Sipalay City.* Dionilo Bogtae photo
Lighting killed a teenager and critically injured three others in a mountainous area of Sitio Don Jose, Brgy. Manlucahoc in Sipalay City Friday afternoon, June 17.
They were planting mangium tress when lighting hit them, Dionilo Bogtae, Sipalay Emergency Assistance and Rescue Services head, said.
Killed was Yanyan Escarlan, 17, and critically injured were Harry Villacora, 16, John Rey Villacora, 20, and Ma. Krestina Lavilla, 20, who were brought to the Merceditas Montilla District Hospital in Sipalay City, Bogtae said.
A fifth person who was standing a distance away from the four was not hit, he added.
“It was very hot and it suddenly rained, they were all taken by surprise when the lighting struck,” Bogtae said.*