A tragic incident occurred in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region on June 1st, claiming the lives of a father and son struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, reports Kazinform news agency.
According to reports, a 37-year-old man and his 9-year-old son were tending livestock when the storm hit. The lightning strike proved fatal for both.
The Akmola region police department press service stated that a criminal investigation has been launched into the deaths of the Zerendi district resident and his underage son.
“Measures are underway to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident. A final procedural decision will be made following the investigation,” the department reported.
Available data indicates that lightning strikes kill between 6,000 and 24,000 people annually, with over 200,000 sustaining injuries.
Lightning frequently strikes the highest point in an area because the electrical discharge seeks the shortest path between the cloud and the ground. Individuals in open fields or on hills become prime targets, absorbing the majority of the current. Sadly, this often results in fatality. A direct strike disperses across the skin’s surface, with the electricity traveling through the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Even city dwellers should remain vigilant. Lightning strikes can occur near tall conductive objects such as trees, metal structures, or even tall buildings. The lightning may initially strike these objects, then arc to a person. Side flashes can reach victims up to one meter away. Therefore, during thunderstorm warnings, it’s crucial to avoid seeking shelter under trees or near utility poles.