At least 14 students from St. Paul’s Rugarambiro Secondary School in Kisoro District were rushed to hospital after being struck by lightning during heavy rains on Thursday.
According to eyewitnesses, the lightning bolt hit one of the school buildings while students were in class, leaving several of them unconscious and others in shock.
Teachers and local residents quickly intervened, transporting the affected students to Kisoro Hospital for emergency treatment.
Medical personnel confirmed that while most of the students sustained minor injuries and shock, they are under close observation. No fatalities were reported.
Local authorities, led by the Kisoro District education officials, visited the school and called for increased lightning protection in institutions across the region, which is prone to frequent thunderstorms.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over school safety, with parents and community members urging the government to ensure all schools are equipped with functional lightning arresters to prevent future tragedies.
