A weather event disrupted ground operations at Arturo Michelena International Airport, located in the city of Valencia, Carabobo state. Shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, a lightning bolt struck directly adjacent to the airport terminal’s apron area, affecting personnel conducting operational duties and taking shelter in the vicinity.
The natural phenomenon occurred amidst heavy rainfall recorded across the country’s central region, associated with the passage of Tropical Wave No. 29 through Carabobo state.
Injury Toll
According to sources close to the incident, the electrical discharge left a total of nine people injured. The affected group consists of:
- Four National Guard officers
- Five ground handling services employees
Following the incident, eight of the injured were immediately transferred to the Dr. Enrique Tejera Hospital Complex, located in the city of Valencia, to undergo medical evaluation. Official reports confirm that all affected individuals remain in stable condition, with at least one officer diagnosed with minor multiple trauma.
Infrastructure and Operations
Airport authorities reported that, despite the severity of the weather event and the proximity of the lightning strike to the ramp, none of the three aircraft parked on the apron at the time of the incident sustained damage, and the airport has since resumed normal operations.
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