KUALA LUMPUR: Sheltering under a tree during bad weather has been identified as a key factor in the deaths of three relatives struck by lightning in Bandar Salak Tinggi, Sepang, yesterday afternoon.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Faculty of Engineering dean and lightning expert Professor Dr Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab. Kadir said the common perception that lightning is only dangerous through direct strikes is inaccurate.
He said international data shows direct strikes account for only three to five per cent of lightning injuries, with the majority occurring through other electrical discharge pathways.
Commenting on the incident, Zainal said ground currents and side flashes were believed to be the primary causes behind all three victims being killed simultaneously.
