Tragedy struck in the quiet southwestern suburbs of Sydney when a sudden and freak lightning strike claimed the life of a woman and left another injured. Rosanna Hashem, a woman in her 40s, lost her life in the devastating incident that occurred on her property on Old Razorback Road in Cawdor on Saturday evening. The incident happened around 5:30 p.m., when Rosanna was sitting outside her home. A lightning bolt struck a large tree near where she was seated, causing it to explode violently. The force of the explosion sent wood shrapnel flying, fatally injuring Rosanna. A friend who was with her at the time also suffered severe injuries, including a partially amputated finger and a fractured jaw. She is currently in stable condition at Liverpool Hospital, recovering from her ordeal. Emergency services described the scene as traumatic, not only for the families of the victims but also for the first responders, who were deeply affected by the severity of the injuries and the fact that young children had witnessed the horrifying event.
Rosanna Hashem, the owner of The Groomery Cat Grooming Services, a business she operated from her home, was known for her passion for animals and her dedication to her community. The incident occurred during a sudden and intense storm that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Neighbors described the storm as unlike anything they had experienced in years, with heavy rain and an ear-splitting bang that shook the area. Rob Campisi, a neighbor of Rosanna, recounted the moment the storm hit, saying, “It just started to rain, and then all of a sudden, there was the loudest bang we’ve ever heard. The power went out, and when I looked outside, I saw a big cloud of smoke.” Campisi, who had lived in the area for over a decade, emphasized that the weather didn’t seem severe enough to warrant staying indoors, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the storm. “Sometimes, you just don’t know when it’s your time,” he reflected sadly.
The freak storm and subsequent lightning strike caught everyone off guard, leaving the community in shock. The tree that was struck by the lightning bolt was about six meters away from where Rosanna and her friend were sitting. The force of the lightning caused the tree to shatter, sending debris flying in all directions. Rosanna was struck by the wood shrapnel, which proved fatal. Her friend, who was on her phone at the time, suffered additional injuries when the phone exploded in her hand due to the power surge caused by the lightning. Despite the severity of her injuries, she is now in stable condition and undergoing treatment at Liverpool Hospital. The incident has left the community heartbroken, as Rosanna was a well-loved figure in the neighborhood, known for her kindness and dedication to her work.
NSW Ambulance Inspector David Kynaston described the scene as deeply traumatic, not only for the families of the victims but also for the emergency responders who attended the incident. “This is a very traumatic and tragic incident for the family involved but also very confronting for emergency services who attended,” he said. “Both women had been seated about six meters from a large tree, which was struck by a lightning bolt. This literally caused the tree to explode, sending debris all over the place.” Inspector Kynaston also noted that the presence of young children at the scene added to the distress of the situation, as they had witnessed the horrific events unfold. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of severe weather events.
The sudden loss of Rosanna Hashem has left her friends, family, and community devastated. As the owner of The Groomery Cat Grooming Services, Rosanna was passionate about animals and had built a reputation for her expertise and care in grooming cats. Her business, which she ran from her home, was a testament to her dedication and love for her work. Neighbors and friends have described her as a kind and compassionate person who always went out of her way to help others. Her tragic death has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew her, and her contributions to the community will be deeply missed. As news of her passing spreads, tributes have begun to pour in, celebrating her life and legacy.
The incident has also raised awareness about the dangers of lightning strikes and the importance of seeking shelter during severe weather. While lightning strikes are rare, they can be deadly, and this tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature. Authorities have urged people to remain vigilant during storms and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. For Rosanna’s family and friends, however, the focus remains on grieving the loss of a loved one and finding strength in the face of such an unimaginable tragedy. As one neighbor so poignantly put it, “Sometimes, you just don’t know when it’s your time.” Rosanna’s life may have been cut short, but her memory and the impact she had on those around her will live on.
