Lightning reportedly strikes, kills student in Biliran

TACLOBAN CITY — A 15-year-old student died after he was reportedly struck by lightning while hiking with companions at Mt. Sayao in Barangay Villa Consuelo, Naval, Biliran, on Friday afternoon.

The victim, identified only as “Jimy” in the police report, was declared dead at around 9 p.m. by Municipal Health Officer Ralph D. Bueno.

According to a report from the Naval Municipal Police Station, the victim and his companions went to their school at around 1 p.m. after their classes ended early.

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The group later decided to hike at Mt. Sayao.

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Rain began falling at around 3:45 p.m., prompting the group to seek shelter. At about 4:10 p.m., lightning struck the area and reportedly hit the teenager, who screamed and appeared to be in severe pain.

Personnel from the Naval police and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office responded to the scene.

The police report did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike. /gsg