Dalat: A primary school teacher in Batang Igan was killed by lightning at about 5pm on Wednesday (June 10).
The deceased has been identified as Alvin Chelen, 32.
The incident was said to have happened near a longhouse, Rumah Penguang, during a boat ride from the school to Sg Kut, Dalat.
Dalat District police chief DSP Saga Chunggat said at the time of the incident, the victim was alone in a longboat while another teacher and s school clerk were in another boat, about 25 metres behind.
Saga said according to the victim’s colleagues, lightning suddenly struck Alvin, causing him to fall backwards.
“Both colleagues turned off the boat engine and tried to save the victim but he died on the spot,” he added.
They then towed the victim’s boat to the Sg Kut jetty, about two kms from the scene, and later contacted the ambulance and police.
Police, who arrived at the jetty 15 minutes later, took the body to Dalat Hospital.
“Doctors said the victim suffered serious head injuries, burns on the head and clothes due to the lightning strike,” added Saga.
