President mourns seven students killed by lightning in Geita

DAR ES SALAAM: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed her condolences following the tragic death of seven students from Businda Secondary School in Bukombe District, Geita Region, who were struck by lightning while in class on Monday.

Eighty-two other students were injured in the incident and are currently receiving treatment at Bukombe District Hospital.

The Head of State conveyed her condolences and wished the survivors a swift recovery through a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.

She described the news as heartbreaking and extended her sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic lightning strike that claimed the lives of seven students and injured 82 others at Businda Secondary School in Bukombe District, Geita Region. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Member of Parliament for Bukombe Constituency and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, as well as the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected,” the President said in her post.

The President added: “May Almighty God rest the souls of the departed in eternal peace and grant the injured a swift recovery.”

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Bukombe District Commissioner, Mr. Paskas Murangili, confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that six of the deceased were boys, while one was a girl.

“While the students were in class during the rain, lightning struck, leading to the death of seven students. Six of them were boys, and one was a girl. Following the incident, medical teams rushed to the school to provide immediate assistance,” he said.