Three people are reported dead while two others seriously injured in Phalombe after being struck by lightning during a funeral ceremony on Tuesday.

The incident happened at Nyezerera in Muliya Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaduya in the district.

Phalombe Police Public Relations Officer Augustus Nkhwazi confirmed of the development in an interview with the Press and identified the deceased as Gladys Mmeto, Zione Jamali and Juliana Kampondeni.

Nkhwazi identified the injured ones as Zainabu Khamisi of Balakasi Village, T/A Chikowi in Zomba and Doris Muhota of Muliya Village, T/A Kaduya in Phalombe.

Meanwhile the two are currently admitted at Phalombe District Hospital.