The body of the 17-year-old boy Emmanuel Torli, who died following a lightning incident in Ho, has been abandoned several hours after the incident.

The incident, which occurred late Monday afternoon, left the 17-year-old student dead while two others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The Monday incident sparked superstitious rumours that Emmanuel Torli may have stolen the coconut, thus, his punishment by lightening.

Dispelling the theft rumours, the boy’s brother, Selasi Kwao, told journalists: “The coconut was plucked at our family house at Sokode Bagble. The coconut tree belongs to our uncle and he was aware we were plucking some of the coconuts”.

“I personally climbed the tree to pluck it. I plucked them from 6 trees. My brother who is dead now did not climb the tree. I even paid some people who helped in climbing with me. I only sent him to come and sell them”, he said.

The boy’s distraught mother, Rejoice Kwao, said: “They have been selling coconut for some time now but today, I was at work when I received a call about lightning striking my son, I came here only to see the boy on the floor lifeless”, she wailed.

She said:

“My brother takes care of coconuts for people, so, they pluck from him also. But I don’t know what happened here today, There has never been a problem in his selling. I’m still shocked and can’t understand this happening”, she said.

Residents and passersby were all afraid to move the body, which had been left untouched since the incident happened over fears of a thunder god known to the locals as Xebieso.

The boy’s grandfather, Mr Nicolas Nfodjo, told journalists that a delegation has been sent to a famous fetish shrine, Nogokpo for answers.

The consultations will determine what happens next.