By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least one person was confirmed dead, while two others were seriously injured, after a cottage was recently struck by lightning at a beach resort in Barangay Miranda, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental.

Authorities identified the fatality as 13-year-old Leonard Deles, while the injured were named as 46-year-old Hob Deles and an unnamed five-year-old girl.

Based on information provided by Bernadeth Gerson, grandmother to the deceased, they were celebrating a birthday party at the beach resort when, around 2:00 p.m., the weather suddenly changed and heavy rains began.

While seeking shelter in a cottage, Gerson heard a loud explosion and saw the cottage where the victims were taking cover was struck by lightning.

The three were rushed to the Valladolid District Hospital for treatment, where the younger Deles was declared dead on arrival.

The remaining two were later transferred to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center after suffering from burns across their bodies.

Investigations carried out by Pontevedra municipal police found, prior to the lightning strike, the younger Deles was seen playing on his mobile phone.

Investigators believe the lightning possibly struck the said mobile device./DGB, WDJ