Lightning strike kills student

TACLOBAN CITY — One of the three college students who were struck by lightning while doing a school activity in Maasin City last Monday reportedly died after over 24 hours of unstable condition.

The victim — identified as 19-year-old Criminology student Jundel Suganob died at Eastern Visayas Medical Center here where he was brought after being hit by lightning Monday evening along with two other students.

The students of SJC criminology department were having their annual criminology activities at the sunken garden of Southern Leyte capitol ground when the freak accident happened.

A statement of the school administration said the three students were hit by a ground current brought about by a lightning strike on a tree.

"Everything was well until a sudden burst of strong winds and downpour buffeted the area associated with lightning flashes brought about by a thunderstorm overhead," the school said.

The three students were immediately brought to Salvacion Oppus Yñiguez Memorial Provincial Hospital for treatment. The two other students were found to be in stable condition while Suganob was referred to EVMC for further management as he remained unresponsive after emergency care was applied to him.

Gleynie Grace Suganob, the older sister of Suganob, posted in social media that his brother was unconscious, with unstable vital signs and intubated at EVMC. Suganob died on Tuesday at around 3:50 p.m.

"Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and our heart goes out to the bereaved family during this time of grief," the school administration posted in its official Facebook account.

"To SJC Criminology Department, remember to lean on one another for support, and cherish the memories you shared with your dear student. May you find comfort and solace in the love and support of those around you," it added.