8 women injured in Macheke liightning strike

Zim Now Reporter

A lightning strike in Macheke Village 1 resulted in injuries to eight farm workers as reported by Macheke News.

The incident occurred while the workers were harvesting tomatoes for their Mozambican employers, known locally as Matitiya.

They reportedly sought shelter in a barn due to an unexpected downpour. Eyewitnesses reported that as the group huddled together, lightning struck the barn, injuring eight individuals, including one minor.

Local residents reacted quickly to the emergency, transporting the injured to Macheke Clinic for immediate medical attention.

They are now reportedly awaiting further treatment at Marondera Provincial Hospital.

Zim Now was unable to get confirmation of their condition by time of publishing.

Notably, two individuals escaped without injury, while the employers reportedly fled the scene instead of assisting the victims.

The Matitiya, foreign nationals primarily from Mozambique involved in tomato exportation, have faced criticism from local laborers in the past for their treatment of workers over accusations of harsh working conditions and inadequate compensation.

A community leader expressed concerns about the employers' lack of accountability during this crisis, stating that their actions demonstrated a disregard for worker safety and wellbeing.

In November 2023 16 women sustained burns after a lightning bolt struck Scotfield Farm in Trelawney in Zvimba District, Mashonaland West.

According to safety guidelines from organizations like OSHA and NOAA, workers should be aware of lightning as a significant occupational hazard and should seek proper shelter when thunderstorms are imminent. Employers are advised to implement safety protocols to protect outdoor workers from such dangers.