3 killed by lightning strike in Sepang, say police

Three men died after reportedly being struck by lightning on Monday (Nov 9) in Sepang, Malaysia, according to local media reports. 

Videos taken by the public shared on Facebook on Monday show three bodies beneath a tree, with two lying by a roadside and the third on a grassy patch.

Another video shows the bodies each covered with a cloth as bystanders crowd around the scene by the roadside.

Police officers are seen in two subsequent videos, where yellow tape had been erected to cordon off the area. At least one police car was also present at the scene.

The deceased were identified as brothers Mohd Sahrif Marusin, 26 and Mohamad Ahzam Marusin, 16, and their cousin, Mohammad Safwan Aksan, 18, reported Malaysian publication The Star.

They had reportedly taken shelter under a tree after repairing a vehicle nearby when the incident took place. 

Sepang assistant commissioner Norhizam Bahaman said in a statement on Monday that the police received a report on the incident at about 3.34pm that day. 

He added that all three victims were found lying unconscious under a tree and that medical personnel from Hospital Putrajaya confirmed their deaths. 

The three victims were taken to Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang for post-mortem examination, said Norhizam. 

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esther.lam@asiaone.com