• By Kamil Opeyemi

Tragedy has struck in Anambra state with the death of three students of a private secondary school who were killed after being struck by thunderstorm.

The incident, which happened in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly had the students playing football on the school field.

It was gathered that the incident happened late Saturday during rainfall which was accompanied by breeze and thunderstorms.

It was gathered that the students were practising on the school’s pitch in preparation for a football competition before the lightning started.

The eyewitness said about nine students were involved while six of them were revived later at the school’s clinic where they were first rushed to.

The source said, “The boys were practising on the football pitch with their coach in preparaton for a football tournament.

“The coach had ended the practice session before the rains started, but some of the students stayed behind to continue playing football.

“Lightning, accompanied by claps of thunderstorms suddenly enveloped the area and the boys were struck in the process”

“That was when he raised the alarm and people gathered to help. The boys were immediately rushed to the school clinic, from where they were taken to hospital in Awka.

Former Governor of the state and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in responding, lamented the death of the students.

He wrote late Sunday, ” I am greatly saddened by the unfortunate natural disaster that happened at Tansi International College, Awka this weekend. It was reported that 9 students of the College were struck by thunder, on Saturday, November 4, during a rainstorm.

“Sadly, 3 of the students lost their lives, while the rest are responding to treatment at the hospital. I commiserate with the bereaved families, students, and management of the College. May God give all the strength to bear this great loss,”