Worker dead, 7 others hurt when lightning hit them in Eastern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — A mining company worker died and seven others were injured after lightning hit them on Homonhon Island, Guiuan town, Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon, June 10.

Aljun Cabe, 37, suffered burns all over his body and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

His companions, Floreza Chato, 42; Karen Badota, 22; Jose Santia, 42; Angelo Golipardo, 30; Marvin Hombrea, 31; Darlene Hedulan, 23; and Tommy Eclipse, 28, suffered burns on their feet and heads.

Corporal Marito Badocdoc, Guiuan police investigator, said the victims were resting in a nipa house near their workplace in Barangay Cagusuan around 11 a.m. when lightning struck amid heavy rain.

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Verum Terra Geosciences Inc., a mining company employing the victims, has committed to cover all medical expenses incurred by the victims.

A quick-response team from the mining company transported the victims to a private hospital in Guiuan proper after the incident.

However, Cabe was declared dead on arrival due to the severity of his burns, Badocdoc said.

The other victims were declared out of danger.