In a devastating incident at Tansi International College in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, three young male students lost their lives while playing football during a fierce thunderstorm.
Late Saturday afternoon, as rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms engulfed the area, tragedy struck the school's football field. Eyewitnesses revealed that the students, preparing for an upcoming football competition, were practicing on the pitch when the lightning suddenly struck.
Although the coach had ended the practice session due to the approaching storm, some students remained behind, continuing their game. The unexpected lightning and thunder sent shockwaves through the area, leaving nine students in distress. Fortunately, six of them were eventually revived at the school's clinic, where they were promptly taken for emergency care.
A witness shared, "The boys were practicing on the football pitch with their coach in preparation for a football tournament. The coach had ended the practice session before the rains started, but some of the students stayed behind to continue playing football. Lightning, accompanied by claps of thunderstorms, suddenly enveloped the area, and the boys were struck in the process."
Reports from witnesses described a teacher rushing to the field upon hearing the students' screams and seeing them running in panic. The teacher discovered nine trembling and convulsing students on the field, prompting an immediate call for help. The injured boys were swiftly transported to the school clinic before being transferred to a hospital in Awka.
Although six of the boys were successfully resuscitated and are currently receiving treatment, three tragically did not survive. The parents of the deceased students have been notified of the heartbreaking loss.
News of the incident quickly spread throughout the community, leaving everyone in a state of shock. Hope Egwu, a resident, expressed the collective disbelief and sorrow the community experienced upon hearing the news.
At the hospital in Awka, grief-stricken parents and sympathizers gathered around the survivors' ward, offering their support during this difficult time.
A doctor involved in the treatment explained, "Three out of the nine boys were brought into the hospital already deceased, but we managed to revive the remaining six. At the moment, two sets of parents have claimed the bodies of their children, while one remains in the mortuary."
The doctor also highlighted the unfortunate fact that the boys were playing barefoot on the field, suggesting that wearing proper footwear may have mitigated the impact of the lightning strike.
The school principal declined to comment when contacted, stating that he was not in the right frame of mind to address the situation at that moment.
Authorities were not immediately informed of the incident, as the state police spokesperson confirmed that no report had been filed.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, expressed deep sadness and offered his condolences to the affected families, students, and the management of Tansi International College in Awka. He expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragic event.
On social media, Mr. Obi wrote, "I am greatly saddened by the unfortunate natural disaster that happened at Tansi International College, Awka this weekend. It was reported that nine students of the College were struck by thunder, on Saturday, November 4, during a rainstorm. Sadly, three of the students lost their lives, while the rest are responding to treatment at the hospital. I commiserate with the bereaved families, students, and management of the College. May God give all the strength to bear this great loss, and grant eternal rest to the dead, and quick recovery to the injured. -PO."
