Lightning claims 1 life, injures three others during severe storms in Tshwane
Gauteng emergency services have confirmed that the four pedestrians were sheltering under a tree on the R55 in Olievenhoutbosch when they were struck.
An image of rainfall. Picture: Pexels
JOHANNESBURG - One person has died and three others have sustained injuries after they were struck by lightning during severe storms that ripped through parts of Tshwane.
Gauteng Emergency Management Services (EMS) has confirmed that the four pedestrians were sheltering under a tree on the R55 in Olievenhoutbosch when they were struck.
The heavy rains also left a trail of destruction across the capital after multiple homes and structures were destroyed overnight.
EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso said uprooted trees in Mamelodi damaged at least three homes - while the fallen trees compromised electricity lines leaving parts of Centurion without power.
"Trees were ripped apart in parts of Centurion, closing streets and affecting electricity lines. The streets that were affected included Escort Avenue, Goshawk Street, Seffner Street, Wilhemina Street, Tourmaline Street, Jacana Avenue, Ockert Street, Adam Tas Street, Erasmus Avenue and Lulu Avenue."
Mabaso said areas in the north of Pretoria, including Hammanskraal, were the hardest hit.
"An estimated 40 shacks were blown away in Kekana Gardens informal settlement, leaving scores without shelter. Assessments by disaster management officials are ongoing in all areas that were reported to have been affected by the storm."