One died while seven others sustained burns after a lightning strike hit the area where the victims sought shelter in the morning of June 10, 2024.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Guiuan town, Eastern Samar, the victims are workers of a mine site in the island of Homonhon, accessible by boat ride at about 1.5 hours from the mainland.

While the workers were on duty, rain poured accompanied by lightning strikes.

The eight employees sought shelter immediately in a shanty, but most of the victims were reportedly tinkering on their cellphones while waiting for the rain to let up.

A lighting strike hit a post near their location, and in the process the lightning discharges hit them.

According to Eugenia Cabatingan Padual, chief of Guiuan MDRRMO, the victims were taken by other mining personnel to the mainland for treatment.

Hoever, one of the five men expired at the hospital. Three of the victims were women-workers.

Padual confirmed that the mining company shouldered the medical expenses of the victims.

GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak has reached out to the mining firm for comment, but is yet waiting for a reply as of posting time. “

Palaging makinig sa mga advisory lalo na sa weather condition. Pag may anunsyo ng thunderstorm, dapat hindi yan balewalain, dapat seryosohin,” Padual said