Lighting struck

[sumi]

I'm typing this with tears in my eyes, so forgive if my spelling or grammar is not up to scratch tonight. At 07:02pm South African time yesterday evening, a cousin of mine's 18-month old son ran out the door during, or shortly after, a thunderstorm. Before anyone could stop him, he touched a metal pole and got electrocuted. Mercifully death was instant and he didn't suffer.

I'm sharing this with you all tonight as a reminder of just how dangerous lighting is and how easily a tragedy can happen. Please, please be careful and teach your children to do the same. Even for awhile after the storms have passed, avoid anything made of metal, just to be on the safe side. Lock your small children and babies in the house, if needed.

For those that are religious, please remember his parents and grandparents and family in your prayers. We are all shocked and heartbroken by this.

 

[GypsyG]

I am so sorry to hear this terrible news! You and your family are in my prayers.

 

[Hinotori]

I'm so sorry.

 

[Rammy]

So sorry to hear this tragic news. My condolensces to you and your family.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Sumi, what a tragedy. I will lift his family up in prayer for comfort that only God can give at a time like this. I pray that this family will be wrapped in hugs of comfort.

 

[NH Homesteader]

That is absolutely horrific, I am so sorry

 

[moxies_chickennuggets]

Oh sumi...so sorry for your loss! How tragic.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Oh @sumi , how tragic! I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You all will be in my prayers tonight.

We almost lost my older sister and the neighbor girl the same way - we went outside after a light summer rainstorm to play. the grass was wet and we were all in our bare feet. We would run around the house, grab the TV antenna and spin around it to take the corner faster. Only she grabbed on and couldn't let go! The neighbor girl grabbed onto her to pull her loose and got zapped also. I can still see it all in my head as I type. That was about 40 years ago.

 

[sumi]

Thanks everyone I'm shocked and sad about this and my heart is breaking for his parents and grandparents. Such a terrible accident and way to lose a child and he was so young. I'm hoping by sharing the story it would raise awareness of the dangers, if only a bit, and would help prevent something like this from happening to someone else in future.

@wyoDreamer So glad your sister and the neighbour's girl was o.k! About 17 years ago my house got struck by lightning. No damage was done, amazingly, but I learned a valuable lesson when I went to brush my teeth before bed that evening! I got zapped good.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Sumi - that is so sad. So sorry for the loss and sorry for you and the family.