40 people struck by lightning in shocking Mathibestad incident

Mass lightning strike hits around 40 people in Mathibestad, Hammanskraal

Fear and chaos swept through Mathibestad in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, on January 3, 2026, when a massive lightning strike reportedly hit a group of about 40 people in Majaneng.

The incident, which unfolded around midday, left the community stunned and scrambling for help.

Paramedics and emergency responders arrived swiftly, treating victims with burns, heart problems, and those rendered unconscious by the strike.

Several people were transported to hospitals in Pretoria and nearby clinics as the scale of the event became clear.

Eyewitnesses described a sudden, blinding flash followed by a loud, thunderous crack. “It all happened in seconds, one moment people were standing there, the next they were on the ground,” one resident said.

The victims had been gathered outdoors when the lightning hit, highlighting the dangers of open areas during summer thunderstorms.

Experts explained that lightning can be deadly not only through direct strikes but also via ground currents or side flashes, meaning multiple people in close proximity can be affected at once.

In Gauteng alone, lightning injures or kills dozens each year, making this mass strike an unusually severe but deadly reminder of nature’s power.

Emergency teams remained on site into the afternoon, attending to the injured and coordinating with local hospitals.

Residents are now calling for better warning systems and protective measures to reduce risks during extreme weather, as the community comes to terms with the frightening event.

Watch video of the aftermath below:

Breaking news

Around 40 people were reportedly struck by lightning in Mathibestad, Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.

Emergency teams rushed to the scene, treating victims and transporting the most serious cases to nearby hospitals.

Authorities say the… pic.twitter.com/fAZ9ZiKNTM

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 3, 2026