Man, 29, in Banteay Meanchey Killed by Lightning

A farmer died on Tuesday after being struck by lightning while sheltering under a tree during a rainstorm in Banteay Meanchey province’s Thma Puok district, police said Wednesday.

The victim, Lai Luot, 29, was helping to plow a neighbor’s rice field in Phoum Thmei commune when the storm began, according to commune police chief Sok Vith.

“The victim apparently died instantly, with just some bruises on both of his thighs, after being struck by lightning while he was sheltering under the tree alone,” Mr. Vith said.

“Other villagers felt that the victim might still alive and rushed him to a nearby clinic, but they were told the victim had died.”

Mr. Vith said that Lai Luot was survived by his wife and an eight-year-old daughter. Since Khmer New Year in mid-April, there have been seven lightning deaths in Thma Puok district, according to deputy district police chief Chhuot Tha.

“Authorities frequently inform people about the danger,” he said.

“Do not keep items made of metal like machetes and axes with [you], and find a safe place or crouch down and do not shelter under a tree when there is a thunderstorm.”

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