Understanding the Science Behind Lightning Strikes and Their Impact on the Body

A simple afternoon of fishing turned into a nightmare yesterday, 12 October 2026, when a 14-year-old student was struck and killed by lightning in a padi field in Kampung Tasek Berangan, Pasir Mas .

A sudden turn of events

Muhammad Ziad Zikri Abdul Hadi, a Form Two student at SMK Sri Kiambang, had gone fishing with his cousin and two friends at about 4.00pm .

As the rain started to get heavier, the boys decided to call it a day and head home. However, while they were walking back to their motorcycles, lightning struck unexpectedly .

A terrifying moment for his friends

Haziq Qayyum Rosli, 12, who was with Ziad, shared the harrowing details of the incident. He said the strike was so powerful that all four boys were thrown backwards.

Haziq, who suffered an injury to his right shoulder, recalled seeing smoke rising from Ziad's body immediately after the strike. At first, he thought his cousin had just fainted, but it was later confirmed that Ziad had passed away , .

A father's final goodbye

Ziad's father, 60-year-old Abdul Hadi Abdul Ghani, rushed to the scene after the other boys called for help. He arrived to find his youngest son unresponsive and held him in his arms for the last time .

While the family is heartbroken, they are trying to stay strong. They remember Ziad as a cheerful, helpful boy who was very dedicated to his religious studies .