STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20253, 23 July 1937, Page 6

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

YOUNG FARMERB BURNED. ONE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL. Struck “by lightning during a heavy thunderstorm at Otorohanga yesterday afternoon, Mr Jeff. Harnett (21), formerly of Auckland, was severely burned on the back and legs and was admitted to the Waikato Hospital last evening. His condition was then reported as fairly serious but it has since Improved. Mr Norman Bluck, who, with Mr Harnett, was working on Mr \V. Bluck's farm at the time, was also struck by the lightning, suffering shock and scorches. The young men had been working a team of horses and had taken shelter under a tree while the 6torm was on when they were struck. They were rendered unconscious and the fact that both were wearing rubber boots is believed to have saved their lives. Mr Bluck recovered first and he found that Mr Harnett had been dragged some distance by the rein 9 of the team and was still unconscious. Most of his clothing had been burned off. He was carried to the farm house and there attended by a doctor before being removed to hospital in a St. John ambulanco. Mr Harnett is a single man, who formerly lived with his parents in Ranfurly Road, Auckland.