Fish vendor dies after being hit by lightning in Alimodian

A 45-year-old fish vendor died after he was struck by lightning in Sitio Bulan, Barangay Tabug, Alimodian, Iloilo on Thursday afternoon, July 11.

The victim was identified as Ronie Siacno of Barangay Bugang in Alimodian. He suffered severe burns.

According to the Alimodian police station, the vendor was taking shelter under a bamboo bush following a sudden heavy downpour when he was hit by lightning.

Siacno was brought to the Aleosan District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Lightning, according to the National Geographic, “is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves.”

To avoid getting struck by lightning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised the public, especially those outdoors, to “stay away from trees, power poles, wire hangers, anything else made of metal, and wet areas or bodies of water.”IMT