A lightning strike at the Mphebatho Troop Festival in Dertig village, North West has killed two people and left many others injured.
The incident happened on Saturday night during the annual cultural event when a storm hit and a lightning bolt struck the crowd.
Emergency teams treated about 150 people for lightning-related injuries at the nearby clinic, with 49 patients later admitted to hospital. Some victims were critically injured and transferred for further care, while many others sustained burns or were treated and discharged.
THE LIGHTNING VIDEO
LIGHTING KILLS TWO PEOPLE IN MATHIBESTAD NORTH WEST
According to local authorities and multiple news reports, two people were killed after being struck by lightning and around 150 others were injured. Many of the injured sought treatment at the Mathibestad Community Health… pic.twitter.com/MMTHe4S36Q
— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) January 5, 2026
The festival was immediately suspended for safety reasons as panic spread and attendees sought shelter.
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Breaking news
Around 40 people were reportedly struck by lightning in Mathibestad, Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, treating victims and transporting the most serious cases to nearby hospitals.
Authorities say the… pic.twitter.com/fAZ9ZiKNTM
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 3, 2026
Local officials extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Health authorities commended the swift response by medical teams and emergency services, including support from neighbouring provinces to help manage the large number of casualties.
Investigations and ongoing weather warnings remain in place as severe summer storms continue in parts of the country.
