Mapaballo Borotho
- Two people were killed and eight others injured after lightning struck attendees at the Dertig Troupes Festival in Moretele, North West.
- The festival was halted immediately as emergency services responded and treated the injured.
- The South African Weather Service has since warned of severe storms and possible flooding across several provinces in the coming week.
A tragedy in the North West has left two people dead after they were struck by lightning during the annual Dertig Troupes Festival at Moretele Local Municipality on Saturday.
Moretele Local Municipality Mayor George Masango said bad weather led to a lightning strike that hit 10 people attending the festival, with two declared dead at the scene. The remaining eight sustained injuries.
“Emergency services arrived quickly, and all other injured individuals received medical care. For safety reasons, the festival was immediately put on hold to protect community members, performers, and officials,” Masango said.
The municipality is working closely with emergency services and local authorities, and the mayor has committed to keeping the community updated on the condition of those affected.
Masango also extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has warned of severe storms and possible flooding expected this week in several provinces, including Gauteng, the Free State, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
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