Nine villagers cutting rice in Mae Chaem district were injured this afternoon when lightning struck the hut they had ducked into to wait out a storm. Three are in serious condition.
It happened at about 4pm in Ban Mai Phatthana Santi, Moo 14, Mae Na Chon subdistrict, as heavy rain swept over the fields. The group took shelter in a hut, which is what anyone caught in a downpour in the middle of a paddy would do. The lightning came in with them. Six of the victims were still conscious and able to talk, while the other three were badly hurt.
Rescue workers from the Mae Chaem district local administration rushed to the scene and took all nine to Thepparat Wetchanukul Hospital.
Photo and information: Mae Chaem District Office
