Saudi Arabia: Mother, daughter killed by lightning strike in Abha

Dubai: A sightseeing trip turned into tragedy when a mother and her daughter were fatally struck by lightning in Abha city, Asir region, southwest Saudi Arabia.

The two women had travelled from Al Qurayyat, near the Kingdom’s northern border, to enjoy Abha’s cooler summer weather and seasonal rains. Witnesses said they were walking in the rain before seeking shelter under a tree with other tourists.

The daughter, holding her mobile phone to photograph the rainfall, was hit alongside her mother when a thunderbolt struck.

They were rushed to a nearby hospital but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. News of their deaths sparked an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with users offering prayers and condolences, and asking Allah Almighty to grant them eternal peace.