Feb 26 β€’ 03:35 UTC πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia ABC News AU

Three people injured after suspected lightning strikes during Perth storm

Three people, including a man and two teenage girls, were injured in Perth due to suspected lightning strikes during a storm, with some disruptions in train services across the city.

During a severe storm in Perth, Australia, a man in his 70s and two teenage girls suffered injuries attributed to suspected lightning strikes. The incidents occurred in the suburbs of Hamersley and Mount Helena, prompting emergency services to respond quickly. The injured man was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition, while the two girls, who were also struck, are in non-life-threatening states and received treatment at a local school.

The storm and the resulting lightning strikes caused significant disruptions throughout Perth's transport system, with several train lines being temporarily closed due to safety concerns. This created chaos for commuters who were trying to navigate their morning routines amidst the adverse weather conditions. Lightning strikes are a dangerous but relatively common occurrence in Australia, with an estimated 100 people affected each year, and a small percentage suffering fatal injuries.

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors during such storms and to take precautions against lightning strikes, as these incidents can happen unexpectedly. The weather events highlight the need for continued awareness and preparedness for extreme weather in urban areas, especially as climate change potentially increases the frequency and intensity of storms.

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