Lightning kills swimming teen, hurts another near Tuburan seashore

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 16-year-old boy died while another minor survived after the two were struck by lightning while swimming at a seashore in Tuburan, northwestern Cebu, on Thursday afternoon, July 2.

A report from Tuburan Municipal Police Station said the incident happened at around 3 p.m. in Purok Santan, Barangay Daanlungsod.

The 16-year-old victim, a Grade 10 student of Tuburan National High School, was rushed by ANDAM Tuburan rescuers to Tuburan District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival at around 3:36 p.m. by the attending physician.

READ: How to avoid getting struck by lightning

The second victim, a 14-year-old boy, remained conscious and was being monitored by medical personnel in the hospital’s emergency room, police said.

Lightning strikes during swim

Police said initial investigation showed the victims were at the seashore with friends for a picnic when the lightning struck.

Further investigation, based on the account of the 16-year-old victim’s female friend, indicated that she and the two boys were swimming in the shallow part of the sea when the lightning suddenly struck.

Police said the 16-year-old was directly struck by the lightning, while the girl and the 14-year-old boy were affected by the electrical discharge and sustained minor injuries.

Despite the incident, the two survivors managed to swim back to shore safely.

Rescue efforts

According to police, two cousins of the deceased immediately rushed to the area after learning about the incident.

They found the 16-year-old already unconscious in the water, brought him ashore, and turned him over to ANDAM Tuburan rescue personnel.

The rescuers immediately transported him to Tuburan District Hospital, where doctors later declared him dead on arrival.

As of Friday, July 3, doctors are currently monitoring the condition of the surviving 14-year-old, while the investigation into the incident continues.

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