Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a heart-wrenching incident in Amnat Charoen province, a man was killed by a lightning strike while collecting kaffir lime leaves, under the watchful eyes of his father. The tragedy unfolded at around 6.30pm on April 22, near a paddy field in Ban Khok Khai, within the Kaikham subdistrict.

 

Police Captain Boonlert Raktong from Mueang Amnat Charoen Police Station was alerted to the incident, where he discovered the body of 44-year-old Sommai Jarujit. Sommai's body, found face-down with burn marks, was positioned near a kaffir lime tree, partially concealed by the very leaves he was collecting for dinner.

 

The sombre narrative shared by Saiwai Jarujit, Sommai’s father, paints a picture of an ordinary day turning tragic. After completing their farm work, Sommai stayed behind to gather ingredients for their evening meal. As storm clouds loomed overhead, ominous thunder followed.

 

 

 

It was amidst this brewing storm that Saiwai witnessed the lightning strike that claimed his son's life. Despite his immediate reaction to assist, it was already too late to save Sommai.

 

Understandably, the family did not dispute the apparent cause of death, and the body was prepared for traditional religious rites, as they grapple with the profound loss.

 

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable and often deadly power of nature, especially during times when storms are prevalent. It underscores the importance of exercising caution during severe weather conditions to avoid such heartbreaking tragedies.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-23

 

 

 

I have recently seen, for the first time in my life, The affect that a lighting strike has on a tree. It literally exploded, sending shards of timber in all directions. The path I was walking on was inches deep in debris.  

 

From that day on, I have never gone out for my daily walk if there is any sign of a thunder storm.

 

My condolences to the family of Sommai.

another freak accident

 

Not freak accident.  Just don't walk around in lightening storms.