Mass lightning strike hits around 40 people in Mathibestad, Hammanskraal
On January 3, 2026, Mathibestad in Hammanskraal, located north of Pretoria, experienced confusion and fear after a significant lightning strike struck a crowd of about 40 individuals in Majaneng.
The event occurred shortly after noon, leaving the local community shocked and seeking assistance.
Emergency responders quickly arrived to provide care, treating injuries such as burns and heart issues, and addressing those who lost consciousness due to the strike.
Several victims were taken to hospitals in Pretoria and local clinics as the situation was assessed.
Witnesses described a rapid, blinding flash accompanied by a powerful thunderclap. “It all happened in seconds, one moment people were standing there, the next they were on the ground,” one local recounted.
The group was outside when the lightning struck, illustrating the risks associated with being in open spaces during summer thunderstorms.
Experts noted that lightning poses dangers not just through direct contact but also through ground currents or side flashes, affecting multiple individuals nearby simultaneously.
In Gauteng, lightning injures or claims lives of numerous people each year, marking this incident as a particularly severe example of nature’s force.
Rescue teams remained on the scene throughout the afternoon, assisting the injured and liaising with local medical facilities.
Residents are now advocating for improved warning systems and safety protocols to mitigate dangers associated with extreme weather, as the community processes the alarming occurrence.
Watch video of the aftermath below:
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
