Lightning kills 1, injures 2 others in Negros Occ.

MANILA, Philippines - A sugarcane cutter was killed and two others sustained burns when lightning that struck an electric post hit them in Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental Wednesday. Online news Visayan Daily Star cited belated reports that Rogelio Loro Flores was declared dead on arrival at the Valeriano Gatuslao Memorial Hospital. He sustained burns in the neck and head. Fellow sugarcane cutters Reden and Pio Toquiero were brought to a hospital. Reden was later transferred to a hospital in Bacolod. He had burns in his head. Pio’s right hand was injured. The victims were among several sugarcane cutters who were at a store in Carabalan village in Himamaylan City at about 2 p.m. Wednesday when the incident occurred. Investigation showed the group was taking shelter from the rain in the store after working in the field when the lightning struck the transformer of an electric post. Lightning bolt "bounced" and fell where they were standing, knocking many of them to the ground. The other workers sustained minor bruises in their legs and thighs.- GMANews.TV