By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 11 people were seriously injured after they were reportedly struck by lightning Tuesday afternoon at Sitio Pandan in Barangay Ma-ao, Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Authorities identified the victims as 29-year-old Mary Ann Bernasol, 42-year-old Rosie Chu, and 27-year-old Ritchie Mancia; while the remaining were minors between the ages of three and 15.

Bago City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, Dr. Mary Jane Ortizo, said the victims were inside a chapel, as part of a Flores de Mayo observance, when they were struck by lightning.

The victims were rushed to various hospitals in the city and in neighboring Bacolod City after, all of whom were suffering from hearing impairment and body pains due to the electrical shock from the lightning.

Ortizo also confirmed one of the victims is pregnant.

All are considered stable but under observation./DGB, WDJ