Gicumbi lightning: Two patients transferred to CHUK
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Some of 10 players who were affected by lightning struck at Gicumbi Stadium on Saturday, January 13. Courtesy

Rambura Women juniors’ team manager Marie Gisele Mutoniwase and club player Umulisa Gisubizo, two of the nine patients hurt by a lightning that struck in Gicumbi District, have been transferred CHUK Hospital for further medical treatment.

The lightning, which struck at Gicumbi Stadium on Saturday, January 13 at around 12:30PM, left nine people injured. The affected patients include six Rambura WFC players and club team manager as well as two players from Inyemera WFC.

The match was subsequently abandoned in the 65th minute as the casualties were rushed to Byumba Hospital for emergency treatment. Rambura were at the time ahead 1-0.

READ ALSO: Inyemera WFC, Rambura match abandoned as lightning injures 10

According to Rwanda FA commissioner in charge of women's football,Ancille Munyankaka, seven players have shown signs of recovery and are set to be discharged ‘any time’ while Mutoniwase and Umulisa were transferred to CHUK for extensive medical checkups.

Munyankaka told Times Sport that extensive medical checks were carried out on the duo at CHUK hospital and, fortunately, no serious injuries were detected.

"Umulisa sustained minor wounds on her head, while Marie Gisele Mutoniwase experienced burns on her chest and legs,” the FA official said in an interview on Sunday, January 14.

However, she added, both are now doing well and are expected to be discharged from the hospital this Sunday afternoon, as per the doctors' plans.

Meanwhile, the FA is yet to announce the date for the match replay.