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.