Keypoints:
- Lightning struck a traditional festival near Pretoria
- Two people died and more than 100 sought medical care
- Authorities warn of heightened storm risks during summer
TWO people have been killed and more than 100 others injured after a lightning strike hit a traditional cultural festival near South Africa’s administrative capital, according to provincial health authorities.
The incident occurred late on Saturday close to the village of Mathibestad, approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Pretoria. Hundreds of people had gathered for an annual celebration when a sudden thunderstorm moved across the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the North West provincial health department said around 150 people reported to a local clinic after being struck directly by lightning or affected by the electrical discharge. Two of the injured later died, while 13 others were listed in critical condition and transferred to a separate health facility for advanced care.
Health officials said many of those treated suffered burns, muscle injuries, temporary paralysis or symptoms of severe shock. Several patients were discharged after receiving emergency treatment, while others remained under observation.
Storm struck without warning
According to local authorities, weather conditions deteriorated rapidly as the festival was underway. Witnesses described a powerful storm system accompanied by heavy rainfall and repeated lightning strikes sweeping over the open-air gathering.
The celebration, held annually by surrounding communities, traditionally takes place outdoors and features music, dance and ceremonial rites. Emergency services said the exposed nature of the venue increased the risk once the storm developed.
Ambulances and emergency responders were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident, transporting the injured through the night. Police assisted medical teams and helped manage crowds as treatment continued.
Seasonal lightning danger
Thunderstorms are common across large parts of South Africa during the southern hemisphere summer, which runs from November to March. High temperatures combined with atmospheric instability frequently result in intense electrical storms, particularly in inland provinces such as North West and Gauteng.
South Africa records some of the highest lightning-related fatality rates globally. Disaster management officials say rural communities and outdoor gatherings are especially vulnerable due to limited shelter and the difficulty of issuing rapid weather warnings in remote areas.
Authorities regularly urge the public to suspend outdoor activities at the first sign of thunder, noting that lightning can strike several kilometres away from the centre of a storm.
Calls for improved safety planning
Following Saturday’s incident, local officials renewed calls for stricter safety protocols around large public gatherings, particularly during peak storm seasons. Disaster management teams said they would review the circumstances surrounding the festival to assess whether additional precautions or earlier weather alerts could have reduced the risk.
Health authorities also used the incident to reinforce public awareness messages on lightning safety, urging communities to seek enclosed shelter during storms and avoid open fields, trees and metal structures.
The tragedy adds to broader concerns about the human toll of extreme weather events in southern Africa, where increasingly volatile weather patterns have intensified storms and flooding in recent years.
The North West health department said it continues to monitor the condition of those hospitalised and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Officials also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
