The Health Department in the Eastern Cape says at least seven people were struck by lightning in a freak storm in the Mthatha area of the Eastern Cape late Monday afternoon.
Another 15 people were bundled into private vehicles and taken to Mbekweni Health Centre after being injured as high winds tore roofs off houses.
One of the injured is a man whose house collapsed on him.
Health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo told News 24 that all available ambulance and emergency resources were dispatched to provide urgent help after the switchboard became flooded with calls for help.
The worst-affected area was the suburb of Payne in Mthatha and in Mqanduli, south of Mthatha.
