Sand Creek girl dies in lightning strike

Simone Andrews

A family from the village of Sand Creek in Region Nine is mourning the death of a teenager while at the same time hoping for a speedy recovery for another after both were struck by lightning while sitting under a tree. 

The dead teen has been identified as 16-year-old Simone Andrews. Her 19-year-old brother sustained injuries.

Reports are that just about 5 pm on Sunday, the two were under a tree when the lightning struck. They were discovered in an unconscious state by a passer-by and rushed to the Lethem Hospital.   

The boy who was unconscious for several hours finally regained consciousness. However, his sister succumbed.