Cambodian rubber worker killed by lightning strike in Trat

TRAT — A 47-year-old Cambodian rubber plantation worker and her puppy were killed by a lightning strike while she was resting in a hammock beneath a rubber tree in Trat province on Friday.

Police were alerted at about 2pm on 2 October and went to the scene near Wat Khao Tapon in Tha Kum subdistrict, Muang Trat district, along with rescue volunteers.

The woman, identified as Hai So, was found dead in a hammock beneath the rubber tree. She had a burn mark on her left shoulder. The body of a young male black puppy was also found beside the hammock.

Initial inquiries found that the sky had become overcast and a storm appeared to be approaching, although there was no rain at the time. Hai So had been resting in the hammock with her puppy when thunder was heard, followed by a lightning strike that hit the rubber tree.

The electrical current struck both Hai So and the puppy, killing them instantly, according to the initial police investigation.

Police and an on-duty doctor examined the scene before rescue volunteers took the body to a hospital for further examination. Authorities also contacted her employer and relatives to arrange the funeral.