Lighting kills 10 in Pandeglang

Lighting kills 10 in Pandeglang

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

At least 10 women were killed and five others seriously wounded
on Friday when a bolt of lightening struck the bamboo hut where
they were sheltering, in the town of Pandeglang, Banten
province, local residents and officials said.

The victims were working in a paddy field in Cimanis village
when the storm hit, but later moved to shelter from the rain,
they said.

The five injured women, suffering from severe burns, were
taken to the local Cigeulis General Hospital, Antara news agency
reported. They are all in a critical condition.

Aef Saefuddin, head of the Cigeulis subdistrict in
Pandeglang, confirmed the accident, saying the 15 women were
sheltering in the hut to take a break after working in the paddy
field when the rain begin to fall.

They had performed their prayers and had lunch together before
the hut was struck by lightening, he added.

"We have reported the accident to the Pandegelang regent," Aef
told Antara.

The 10 dead were identified as Asma, 50; Sukamah, 48; Artisah,
38; Neri, 65; Carini, 32; Eni, 20; Carsih, 21; Sasmeri, 48;
Asnah, 28; and Kasmah, 48. They were all buried later on Friday.

The five injured were identified as Anah, 38; Jasinah, 18;
Kamsihah, 25; Suwinah, 22; and Amah, 22.

Violent thunder storms have lashed large parts of Java in
recent weeks as the rainy season has begun in the country.