Gicumbi lightning: Players discharged from hospital after recovery
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Several players and the manager of Rambura women's junior football team team were struck by lightning on Saturday, January 13, but swiftly recovered and were all discharged from hospital the following day.

Umulisa Gisubizo, a player for Rambura WFC Junior, and Marie Gisele Mutoniwase, the team manager, have been discharged from hospital after being struck by lightning during their match against Inyemera WFC Junior on Saturday, January 13.

Both Umulisa and Mutoniwase were transferred to University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) from Byumba hospital on Saturday night for additional tests and treatment, as they were the most affected among the nine victims.

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Rose Nyirahabimana, the team doctor who accompanied the patients to CHUK, told Times Sport on Sunday afternoon that "they are both doing well, although they still feel some pain" and were on the way back home to Rubavu.

"Umulisa sustained minor head wounds but is gaining strength and will continue to consult with a nearby health center until fully recovered."

"Mutoniwase is out of paralysis danger, although she suffered burns on her chest and legs. Examinations showed no further internal damage; she will also begin the rehabilitation process at home," she added.

The other seven players who were injured include Diane Uwimaniduhaye (15), Jeannine Isubirizihe (15), Olive Uwayisaba (15), Deline Kaze (19), Valentine Uwiduhaye (17) from Rambura WFC, and Devotha Niyokwizerwa (16) and Clarisse Mutuyimana (17) from Inyemera WFC.

They were all discharged on Sunday after tests revealed no major problems, although some experienced headaches and moderately elevated blood pressure after the incident.

"The other seven who were left at Byumba hospital, in Gicumbi, were all discharged after showing no signs of any serious effect from the accident," Nyirahabimana confirmed.