The United Nations officials in the Democratic of Congo have confirmed that a terrible lightning strike has killed 20 people and left more than 50 others injured.

The incident happened over the weekend at an army base in the city of Mbuji-Mayi. The lightning strike made the military ammunitions exploded, catching fire as people panic. The ammunitions belong to the United Nations Mission.

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been in the DR. Congo since 1999 to try and end the several insurgencies in the country that have left more than a million people dead.

MONUSCO said in a statement that the blast caused despair and desperation in the central city closed to the market.

MONUSCO chief, Martin Kobler told reporters that rescue officials have done their best to contain the situation.

“I have instructed our office in Mbuji-Mayi to stand by and support local authorities in dealing with the situation,” he said.

Details of those dead and injured is not clear but local reporters say civilians are likely to be hit the most as a result of the army base proximity to the market.

Mbuji-Mayi is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s third-largest city and is at the heart of the county’s diamond mining industry.

This is not the first time lightning strike has killed people in the DR. Congo, Back in October 1998, a strange lightning strike ruined a football match.

Bena Tshadi were drawing 1-1 with visitors Basanga in the eastern province of Kasai when a tender bolt of lightning struck from the sky. It Killed 11 young people aged between 20 and 35 years.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

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