Reporter injured as thunderstorm wrecks Enugu radio station

One of the private radio stations in Enugu, Family Love FM, has been destroyed by lightning leaving one of their staff injured.

Punch Metro gathered that the incident happened on Saturday evening during torrential rain.

A staff member of the station, who confirmed the incident on condition of anonymity, said it was the fourth time lightning would strike the station.

The official said a sports journalist identified as Humphrey was affected by the incident.

He explained that the reporter was not on duty but because he lived close to the station, he always stayed around till the transmitter was shut down every night.

“He was on air when the lightning struck the station. He passed out before he was rushed to a hospital. But we thank God he has regained his consciousness. He was discharged on Sunday morning and we give God all the glory,” he added.

The radio station, which transmits on 99.9FM, is located on top of the Ngwo hills, Enugu North.

Experts have said the location of both the transmitter and the station in the same building was a possible cause of the incident.

The head of the station, Celestine Ugwuanyi, confirmed the incident, which he attributed to the rainy season.

He said, “This is not the first time you will have lightning and thunderstorm damage broadcast equipment. We are trying to fix it and hopefully, we will be back on air by tomorrow (Monday) all things being equal. And those who said that a staff member was affected, yes, but it was minor; he is OK now.”