39 pupils injured by lightning in northwest Tanzania

At least 39 pupils injured on Friday morning after lightning struck their classroom in Tanzania's northwest region of Geita, a local official said.

Masumbuko Nkuba, a ward councilor for Nkome, said the lightning struck the classroom, injuring 39 pupils with some of them sustaining serious injuries.

"The pupils were inside the classroom as heavy rain pounded the aream coupled with strong winds and thunderstorms," said the official.

Nkuba said after he had received information about the incident he rushed to the school where he found some of the pupils unconscious.

"Teachers and I arranged to send the victims to nearby health centers for treatment," said Nkuba.

Japhet Simeo, Geita regional hospital chief medical officer, confirmed to have received the 39 pupils, saying 24 of them were referred to Nzera hospital for further medical care.