At least nine injured by lightning strike at Venezuelan airport, according to media

At least nine people sustained injuries when lightning struck Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, Venezuela, on Saturday night during a heavy downpour. The airport, located about 170 kilometers north of Caracas, has become a crucial hub for foreign companies after the closure of the Simón Bolívar International Airport due to earthquake damage on June 24.

According to Venezuelan media reports, four of the injured are members of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), and the other five are employees of companies operating at the airport. All were transported to local health facilities. The lightning strike occurred near the tarmac, where three aircraft were present. These planes later departed for their destinations.

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the situation is totally controlled

The Autonomous Institute of Airports of Carabobo state (Iaaec) issued a statement assuring that the "situation is totally controlled" and that emergency protocols were promptly activated by airport firefighters and security personnel. However, the statement did not mention any injuries.

Local media outlet El Carabobeño reported that the lightning struck "very close" to a Plus Ultra aircraft, an airline that connects Venezuela with Madrid and Tenerife. The Iaaec urged users to remain calm.

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We call for calm and tranquility to all our users