1 killed, 7 hurt by lightning strike during Rizal downpour

At least one person was killed while seven were injured after lightning struck them while they were taking shelter from a downpour in San Mateo town in Rizal province Monday afternoon.

 

The eight victims were rushed to three hospitals, according to a report by radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. Monday night.

 

Declared dead on arrival at the St. Matthew Hospital was Jepoy Cariaga, 18, while Jason Cristobal was in critical condition.

 

Rushed to the Amang Rodriguez Hospital in Marikina City were Alfredo Cristobal, Manolo Morales, and Morales' children Mark Vincent and Ulysses.

 

Two more were brought to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City but only one of them was identified as Ariston Santos.

 

Initial investigation showed the eight were taking shelter in a hut in Santa Ana village in San Mateo amid a downpour when lightning struck them.

 

State weather forecasters had said the rain in past days was due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by a potential cyclone east of the country. –KG, GMA News