PRETORIA – Two people were killed and 150 others injured when lightning struck a traditional festival near Pretoria on Saturday evening, adding to a mounting death toll as South Africa’s northern provinces endure fierce storms and flooding.
The lightning strike occurred during a traditional celebration near the village of Mathibestad, approximately 70 km north of Pretoria, according to the North West provincial health department. All 150 patients sought medical treatment at a local health clinic, with 13 people in critical condition requiring transfer to specialized medical facilities.
The tragic incident comes as northern South Africa has been battered by relentless heavy rains for the past month, creating dangerous conditions across multiple provinces. In neighboring Mpumalanga province, flood waters have claimed six lives in just the past week, highlighting the severity of the ongoing weather emergency.
“The incident occurred on Saturday night during what should have been a joyful annual celebration,” a Health Department spokesperson confirmed on Sunday, noting that storms are particularly frequent in this region during the summer season.
The lightning strike at Mathibestad represents one of the largest mass casualty weather events in recent South African history, with emergency responders working through the night to treat victims and coordinate medical evacuations.
Emergency services across the affected provinces have been stretched thin responding to flood rescues, lightning injuries, and infrastructure damage caused by the prolonged severe weather. Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid outdoor activities during storm warnings and to seek immediate shelter when thunder is heard.
The traditional festival where Saturday’s tragedy occurred is held annually in the Mathibestad area, drawing hundreds of participants to celebrate local culture and heritage.
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