Thunderstorms can pose a threat not just due to the rainfall leading to floods but also the risk of lightning strikes causing injury and death.
It was recently reported that a 38-year-old man was killed and his two friends injured after being hit by a lightning strike while out hunting for birds.
Did this incident happen near Marang in Terengganu as reported?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Marang OCPD Deputy Supt Mohd Zain Mat Dris confirmed the incident and told Bernama that it happened when the three men were out trapping birds in Kampung Padang Tanjung, Marang, on Thursday (June 1).
He said, in a statement Thursday, that Mohd Hassan Mohd Rani, 38, died at the scene while his two friends Mohamad Fadilah Jusoh, 37) and Abdul Hisyam Muhamad were reported to have suffered slight injuries.
He told Bernama that the police received a MERS999 call regarding the incident at about 7pm Thursday.
"The three were taking shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm, when Mohd Hassan was suddenly struck by lightning,” Bernama quoted him as saying in a statement.
According to him, the lightning bolt also hit Mohamad Fadilah and Abdul Hisyam, who were standing close to Mohd Hassan.
The victim’s body was taken to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, Kuala Terengganu, for post mortem and the case was classified as sudden death.
