JAKARTA - A joint team coordinated by the Bengkayang Police managed to evacuate all victims of the incident when they were struck by lightning in the Gunung Bawang area, Sungai Betung District, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Bengkayang Police Chief AKBP Syahirul Awab through the Head of Samapta Bengkayang Police IPTU Dwiyanto Bhanu Susilo said that in this incident one climber died, while the other six suffered minor to moderate burns.
"The victim died with the initials AB (22), a resident from Ketapang, who died at the location after being struck by lightning while camping at the top of the mountain," he said.
He explained, in an effort to evacuate the police, assisted by dozens of residents of the Sengkabang hamlet, Sungai Betung District.
Evacuation is carried out in an integrated and careful manner given the quite extreme geographical conditions. We are grateful that all victims were successfully evacuated and received treatment," he said.
A group of seven climbers were in a tent when heavy rain accompanied by lightning flushed the top of Mount Bawang at around 06.00 WIB on Saturday. As a result of the lightning strike, one climber died, while six others with the initials J (25), E (20), FA (24), SAA (21), YSK (18), and SA (21) were injured.
"Initial information was received by residents via WhatsApp voicemail sent by one of the victims from the summit. Receiving the report, the evacuation team was immediately deployed and started moving even though the terrain was quite heavy and the weather conditions were not friendly," he said.
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However, he said, after more than 12 hours, finally at 03.41 WIB, Sunday, August 3, 2025, the victim's body was successfully taken down and immediately taken to Bengkayang Hospital. Meanwhile, the injured victim received initial treatment at the puskesmas before being referred to the hospital.
In addition to the victims at the top, three other climbers who got lost while looking for help were also found safe by residents of Madi Hamlet, Lumar District, Sunday morning. The three of them were immediately evacuated and also received medical treatment.
Bengkayang Police Chief AKBP Syahirul Awab appreciated the cooperation of all parties, including the local community who took part in the rescue effort.
"We urge climbers to always monitor weather conditions, bring safety equipment, and report to village officials or the police before climbing," said the Police Chief.
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