Lightning kills 2 in Zambales town

SAN MARCELINO, Zambales—Two construction workers here were struck by lightning and killed on Tuesday beneath a tree where they took shelter from a strong downpour, police said.

Wilbert Hipolito, 23, and Ariel Gumanid, 21, both residents of this town, were building a perimeter fence in Barangay (village) Rabanes here when heavy rain fell at 4 p.m., said Senior Insp. Geoffrey Javier, San Marcelino police station commander.

Javier said the two decided to take cover under a Madre de Cacao tree but were hit by lightning.

The two were taken to San Marcelino District Hospital but were declared dead on arrival at about 5 p.m.

Last June 24, a farmer out in the field of Sta. Cruz town in Zambales also died after he was struck by lightning.

Manuel dela Penia, 38, was found lying dead in a farm in Barangay Guisguis by residents there at 8:30 p.m.

Dela Penia was struck as he rushed home when heavy rain fell at 5 p.m.

Villagers brought Dela Penia to a hospital but he was declared dead on arrival, police said. RAM

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