At least 11 people died and 14 were injured when lightning struck a group of indigenous leaders united in a field in northern Colombia.
Some media reported that 14 had died in the tragedy.
Among those killed was “Mamo” Ramon Gil, reportedly the spiritual leader and primary political representative of the group.
The approximately 30 indigenous leaders were meeting in a fields of the Sierra Nevada de Magdalena mountain to discuss ongoing issues in the community when tragedy hit.
Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos quickly expressed his solidarity over twitter.
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Local members of the military and police were immediately sent to the place where the tragedy took place and helped transport the injured to nearby hospitals. At the request of the community, the deceased were left with their loved ones.
Sources
- Mueren indígenas en la Sierra Nevada por tormenta eléctrica (W Radio)
- Rayó mató a 11 indígenas e hirió a 15 más en resguardo de la Sierra Nevada (La FM)