2 Mindanao farmers killed in separate lightning strikes

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Two farmers were killed by lightning in separate incidents in Central Mindanao over the weekend, the authorities said.

Farmer Dennis Pancha, 29, of Midsayap, North Cotabato suffered third degree burns when he was struck by lightning at about 8 p.m. Saturday.

He died while being rushed to a hospital by his companion, Dante Viloan.

Police said Pancha was hunting for birds in an open rice field when he was hit.

On Friday night, farmer Walter Friales of Norala, South Cotabato and his carabao were struck by lightning, killing them both.

Friales, who was riding his farm animal while pulling a cart, was rushing home as heavy rains started to pour when the incident occurred.