Seven people died and 40 others, including children, were injured after a creche was struck by lightning in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Parents and children were gathered in the creche's hall for a Christmas party when lighting hit the building, the SABC reported on Saturday.
Two parents, two teachers and three other staff members died on the scene. The injured sustained serious burns and were rushed to Itshelejuba Hospital, the provincial department of social development told the public broadcaster.
Itshelejuba Hospital infection control manager Thoko Nkosi confirmed that 40 people were admitted around 3pm on Friday after they were hit by lightning. Among the 40, five were children aged between five and six years old, she said.
"About two adults and one child are in a serious condition. Others were transferred to the nearby Benedictine Hospital. The rest are being treated for moderate burns," she said.
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