Lightning strikes mourners
NZPA-Reuter Blairsville "We never know who is going to be next,” the preacher intoned at the graveside. And, bang — a bolt of lightning killed one of the mourners. Killed was Donald Metcalf, aged 27, grandson of the 91-year-old woman who was being buried. His wife, Martha, was also hit and is in hospital in a fair condition. The couple’s son, aged five, was treated for burns and released. About 50 people were at the graveside near the Mount Ziod Baptist Church, Georgia, as the Rev. Ray Hewett conducted the service. The funeral director, John Vickers, said: “A cloud was coming, but there was no sign of lightning. It was a dark cloud ... then there was a crash like an explosion and three or four people were on the ground." ; James Cherry,. a . burial vault-maker, was thrown in the air by the lightning strike. . - He said: “I believe I saw death.”. He felt he was outside his body and could see himself dying. "But I asked the Lord to have mercy, and then I was on the ground.”
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Press, 15 July 1982, Page 9
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180Lightning strikes mourners Press, 15 July 1982, Page 9
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