MATHIBESTAD — The North West Department of Health has confirmed that patients affected by a lightning strike during the Di Trupa event near Mathibestad Village were treated at the 24-hour Mathibestad Clinic on Saturday, 3 January 2026.

According to the department, 150 patients arrived at the clinic reporting injuries linked to the lightning strike. Thirteen critically ill patients were transferred to Jubilee Hospital, while two people were certified dead on arrival and are awaiting forensic services. The department said most patients suffered mild burns, and the majority were treated and discharged, with some still waiting to be assessed at the time of reporting but described as stable.

North West Health MEC Sello Lehari said he was pleased that the facility was fully operational during the emergency, with both day and night staff on duty. The clinic response included two doctors, four professional nurses and three enrolled nurses, supported by additional EMS resources.

Lehari also thanked Gauteng Health for assisting with the response by deploying ambulances and admitting patients needing urgent hospital care.

An update issued on the morning of 4 January said a further 36 patients had since been admitted to Jubilee Hospital, bringing the total admissions to 49. The department said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.

-The VIP Team 

-NW Health