By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Four people are confirmed dead, while four others were sent to a hospital in Bacolod City, after they were reportedly struck by lightning yesterday afternoon at Hacienda Carmenchia in Barangay Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra.

Police identified the fatalities as Rubelyn Muedan, Glen Gatual, Marites Ganzon, and Renilda Villanueva; while the injured were Lynlyn Subong, Roberta Tiayon, Marites Cabalida, and Lito Cabalida.

According to a report by the local municipal disaster risk reduction management office, a sudden downpour occurred around 3:00 p.m. The victims reportedly sought shelter at a nearby waiting shed, which was later struck by lightning.

The victims were initially sent to the Valladolid District Hospital for treatment, but four of the victims were declared dead on arrival by hospital staff.

The remaining were later transferred to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City for further medication after they were stabilized by doctors./DGB, WDJ