Lightning struck 35-year-old woman to death after staking lotto in Ho

A tragic event unfolded in Ho, Volta Region, when 35-year-old Selina Kuma Kle lost her life after being struck by lightning during a rainstorm on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred around 6 PM near her home in Adzimakorfe (SDA Down).

Eyewitness Christopher Ametefe recounted that he and Selina were staking lotto moments before the tragedy. After a brief conversation, Ametefe left, only to return shortly afterward to correct an error on his ticket. It was during this time that lightning struck, killing Selina instantly.

“I was just speaking with her moments before,” Ametefe shared, still visibly shaken by the suddenness of the incident.

A family member revealed she received a phone call informing her of Selina’s death. Rushing to the scene to confirm the news, she was overcome with grief.

Traditional leaders from Ho Bankoe were called to perform customary rites before Selina’s body could be moved. The family later attempted to seek police assistance in transporting the body to the Ho Teaching Hospital morgue but were unsuccessful. Eventually, they had to carry out the task themselves.

The rare and terrifying nature of the incident has left many residents fearful. Community members noted that nothing like this had ever happened in the area before.

There have since been calls for greater public education on how to stay safe during thunderstorms. While some residents view such incidents through a spiritual lens, believing they may be linked to the wrath of the thunder gods, others are urging for scientific awareness about behaviors and objects that can attract lightning.

Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions during storms and to seek shelter immediately when lightning is present.