Teen dies in lightning strike in Tuburan, Cebu; another hurt

A 16-year-old boy in Tuburan, Cebu died while his 14-year-old friend was injured after they were struck by lightning while swimming at sea in Barangay Daanlungsod.

The incident happened afternoon on July 2, 2026.

The fatality was identified as a Grade 10 student at Tuburan National High School.

The police said the two went to the sea with three other friends because their classes finished early that day.

At that time, Barangay Daanlungsod was experiencing a thunderstorm.

"Atong pagkahitabo, nag-uwan man dire, unya naa pa kilat ug dugdog. Mao to naigo sila didto sa dagat," said Master Sergeant Alfitche Mangaron, investigator at the Tuburan Municipal Police Station.

EXPLAINER: Lightning types and how to stay safe

Investigation showed that lighting struck the area twice and the boys were hit the second time it struck.

They were brought to the hospital but the 16-year-old boy did not make it there alive.

The 14-year-old boy sustained injuries in different parts of his body and is recuperating in the hospital, as of this writing.

The police advised the public to seek shelter immediately when they are at sea or at the beach, and thunder and lightning start to appear. — GMA Regional TV