Friday, March 29, 2024

Timer

Stormy Friday claims a life

First Published:

[projekktor id=’14880′]

It was a full day of stormy weather. a student was killed in Waterloo this morning — after being hit by lightning — and tonight a round of storms lit up the sky and soaked the area.

This scorched tree bark marks the spot where lightning struck and killed a freshman at the University of Waterloo this morning.

The 18-year old first year engineering student was hit while walking on campus.

A violent, sudden storm hit the area around 9 this morning. The fire department says she hid under this tree. The young woman’s family have asked that the university keep her identity private. The president of the university said he is saddened by her passing.

Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor: “Orientation week is a time when campus is especially vibrant and filled with optimism for the future — which makes this students death even more distressing. And her passing a source of immense grief”

Students on campus talked about the how quickly the storm blew in and the loss of their classmate.

“It was a pretty bad thunderstorm. It was pretty loud. I could hear it from my room. It lasted about a half-hour. I was at the gym. It got struck a couple of times.”

“It could have been me actually. I was walking back from the SLC (Student Life Centre).

“They’re pretty sad. Happened all of a sudden.”

At around 8:30 this evening, a storm rolled through Hamilton, Oakville and Burlington. Heavy lightning and rain lasted for about an hour. Residents of Burlington, hit by devastating flooding last month, were bracing for the worst. Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring told CHCH News that public works was on standby but there were no reports of flooding.

A third round of storms is going through the area right now. There were also reports of tree’s down in Oakville and the highways were moving slowly as the rain pounded the area. No reports of any injuries from tonight’s storm though.

More Top News

Ontario school boards suing TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat

Four of Ontario's largest school boards are suing the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The boards are alleging the social media platforms...

Evening weather forecast for March 28, 2024

Shelly Marriage shares the forecast for March 28, 2024 and the days ahead.

Experts warn drivers to be careful on eclipse day

Researchers from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto are warning drivers to beware in the hours before and after the big solar eclipse on...

Premier Ford rejects Ottawa’s bill of rights and protection funds for tenants

Premier Doug Ford is going along with the Quebec government in rejecting Ottawa's attempt to help renters. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave...

Hamilton mayor intends to use strong mayor powers for affordable housing

Residents and businesses near two Stoney Creek parking lots are disappointed after Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath decided to use her strong mayor powers to...

Date set for inquest into death of man during Halton police shootout in 2018

A provincial coroner has set a date for an inquest into a man's death after a shootout with Halton police almost six years ago. Ahmadu...

Poverty advocate and Hamilton’s mayor discuss encampments, housing crisis

On Wednesday, poverty advocate Angela Vos held a meeting with Hamilton's mayor Andrea Horwath to discuss housing and homelessness in Hamilton. The meeting follows a...