Chiriquí, Panama—The storm developed suddenly over the valley. Farmers were working in the open fields when the first bolts hit the ground nearby. A lightning strike hit the corrugated metal roof of a storage shed where one worker had taken cover. The electrical discharge traveled through the frame and struck the victim. Co-workers heard the blast and rushed to provide aid.

The victim did not survive the shock. The local fire department arrived shortly after the rain slowed down. They confirmed the death on-site. The rest of the farming crew was evacuated to the main house. The local weather office had issued a warning for electrical storms, but the strike occurred before the workers could fully clear the field.

Officials are inspecting the property for further damage. They are also checking the grounding wires on the shed to see if they failed. The farm has been closed to visitors until the police investigation is finished. The regional office for disaster management is documenting the event as a freak accident.

The victim was a dedicated member of the agricultural team. His fellow workers are receiving counseling for the trauma of the event. The owner of the property is cooperating with the police. There was no fire resulting from the strike, but the shed sustained structural damage. The debris has been cleared for safety.

The area is under continued watch for further storm activity. Meteorologists warn that the high pressure in the mountains could lead to more strikes tonight. The farm will remain closed while the investigation proceeds. No funeral arrangements have been announced by the family.