A lightning strike killed seven people, including a 4-year-old child, at a nursery school Christmas party in South Africa, a government spokeswoman said Saturday. Forty others were injured when the lightning struck in KwaZulu-Natal Friday afternoon, said Mashu Cele, a spokeswoman for the province’s social development department.

“It happened so suddenly. …They were inside enjoying their Christmas party, and the lightning came through the window into the room that they were in,” Cele told CNN.

Two parents, two teachers, a gardener and a nursery school director were also killed, she said.
About 30 of the victims remained hospitalized Saturday, Cele said, and the province’s social development minister was visiting the site to investigate.

This is so sad…my heart goes out to those families! Live every day like it’s your last! @wendyKlucas