By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A tragic lightning strike in Kabaya Town, Khonimakha Chiefdom, Kambia District has claimed the lives of two women during a severe thunderstorm on the evening of Thursday, June 12, 2025. The victims, identified as N’mah Gule S. Kamara and Kadiatu Kamara, both in their late twenties, died instantly when the lightning struck their home amidst heavy rains and fierce thunderstorms.
Police Sergeant Amara, speaking to Forum Newspaper, confirmed the incident and explained that their preliminary investigations revealed that several people were under the same roof when the lightning struck. “One of the ladies who died was holding a knife in her hand, preparing food for her family. Her mother and husband were sitting beside her. An officer, who lives in the house, was also inside when the incident occurred,” he said.
Sergeant Amara added that all those inside the house received an electric shock, but the two women were the only fatalities. He emphasized that the impact was so sudden and strong that no one could have anticipated or prevented the tragedy.
Local Councilor Nabieu Kamara, representing Ward 192, also confirmed the incident and described it as an act of God. “This is from God and nothing else. The families believe it is His will,” he said, recalling a similar fatal lightning strike in the town between 2007 and 2008 that killed one of his close relatives.
The councilor noted that Kadiatu Kamara was eight months pregnant at the time of the incident and was sitting near her young twin children when the lightning struck. Both women lived in the same house but were married to different men, making the loss even more painful for their families and the entire community. “This close bond has made the tragedy even more devastating for their loved ones,” he lamented.
The shock of the incident has rippled through the quiet rural community, with residents expressing grief and disbelief over the sudden and violent deaths. Councilor Kamara stated that the event has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by thunderstorms during the rainy season. He urged residents to exercise caution by seeking safer shelter during severe weather conditions to avoid similar disasters.
Abdulai Raz, an eyewitness, recounted the terrifying moment the lightning struck. He said the bolt hit the house through a window after attempting to strike twice elsewhere in the town. According to Raz, the force of the strike was enough to kill the two women instantly while leaving other occupants partially paralyzed from shock.
Raz also reported that a motorcycle mechanic, Saiduba Bangura, suffered serious injuries as a result of the same lightning strike. Bangura was riding his motorbike nearby when the bolt hit, leaving him initially paralyzed and unable to move. However, Raz noted that by Friday morning, Bangura had begun regaining movement in his arms and legs, offering a small relief amid the tragedy.
This incident follows a similar lightning strike in May 2025 in Kono District, where an elderly woman, her daughter, and granddaughter lost their lives during a thunderstorm. Such repeated occurrences have heightened community fears about the dangers of unpredictable weather patterns.
As Kabaya Town mourns the loss of N’mah Gule S. Kamara and Kadiatu Kamara, local leaders are strongly advising residents to prioritize safety during thunderstorms. The tragic event stands as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the urgent need for heightened awareness during Sierra Leone’s rainy season.
