Nine people struck down by lightning have been laid to rest in Ngoma district in Eastern Rwanda.
According to eyewitness accounts the incident occurred in Jarama Sector of Ngoma District.
The victims were laid to rest on Wednesday at Kiriko Cemetery in Sake Sector, as grief and shock continue to grip the local community.
The burial ceremony drew a large crowd of mourners, including family members, local residents, and government officials. Among those in attendance was the Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, alongside leaders from various security agencies, who came to offer condolences and support to the affected families.
The victims were killed on Tuesday when a powerful lightning strike hit a shelter in Jarama Sector, near the Akagera wetland and close to the Rwanda–Burundi border. Six other people were injured in the incident and were immediately rushed to nearby health facilities, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
According to local authorities, the victims were residents engaged in livestock-related activities. They had taken refuge from heavy rainfall in a building commonly used by river port guards and herders when the lightning struck.
Governor Rubingisa described the lightning strike as unusually intense, noting that such a tragic incident was unprecedented in the area. He urged residents to take extra precautions during thunderstorms and emphasized the need for increased awareness about lightning risks.
Eastern Province is known to experience frequent seasonal thunderstorms, especially during the rainy season, making lightning a serious but often underestimated hazard. Authorities have reiterated calls for communities to avoid sheltering in vulnerable structures during storms and to follow safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of nine lives, local leaders have pledged continued support to the bereaved families and to those recovering from injuries.
