Area 36 Seventh-Day Adventist Church is under utter shock and grief after a lightning struck the church, claiming 18 lives in the process.

Reports indicate that the lightning struck in the afternoon sermon of the church and the shock waves it sent killed 14 people on the spot while 4 other deaths were later confirmed at the hospital where some victims were rushed to for assistance.

The tragedy is the biggest in recent times to have struck in Malawi due to the raining season.

FaceofMalawi condoles the families of the deceased.