Father and his two children fighting for their lives after being struck by LIGHTNING as they walked home from school
All three are described as being in a serious condition after being struck in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
THIS is the father who is fighting for his life after being struck by lightning at a school sports day.
The man, named locally as George Allen, was injured alongside his five-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter this afternoon.
He had helped to organise the sports day in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The young boy, five, and his dad are described as being in a critical condition while the seven-year-old daughter is in a “serious condition”.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it was called to the scene of the strike in Lisburn, Co Antrim, at 2pm this afternoon.
A South Eastern Health Trust spokesperson said the man was “critically ill” and awaiting transfer from Lagan Valley Hospital to an intensive care unit.
His son is in a critical condition at Belfast Children’s Hospital suffering from burns injuries while his sister is also seriously injured.
The children and their father are believed to have been on their way home from Killowen Primary School.
The school’s headteacher Fiona Douglas said staff and parents treated the three before emergency services arrived.
She said: “Following this all other pupils, accompanied by staff, went safely to nearby Laurel Hill Community College where they were collected by parents.
“The thoughts of the entire school community are with the family at this time.”
Witnesses to the horrific incident said the unnamed man was on his phone when the lightning bolt struck as they walked along the Laurel Hill road in Lisburn.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it sent a number of rapid response and A&E crews to the scene.
It tweeted: “Following lightning strike in Lisburn 1 adult male and 2 children have been taken to hospital by ambulance.”
Local SDLP councillor Pat Catney told the BBC: “It’s awfully tragic news. We have to think of the family.
“I’m thinking of the young father and the children who were injured as well.
“It was just one of those freak tragic accidents that has stunned me and shocked me.”
MP for Lagan Valley area Jeffery Donaldson tweeted: “Please join me in praying for those affected by this incident in Lisburn.”
Speaking from Stormont, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said his thoughts were with the affected family.
Britain was beset by stormy weather on Tuesday as flash floods hit South London and thunder and lightning struck over much of the country.
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