Woman dies after freak lightning strike explodes a tree in her backyard and pierces her with wood shrapnel – while second woman using her phone is electrocuted

A woman has died and a second has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a freak lightning strike in their backyard in Sydney’s outer south-west.

Emergency crews were called to Old Razorback Rd in Cawdor, about 5.30pm on Saturday, where they found the deceased woman who was aged in her 40s.

She had tragically been pierced by wood shrapnel when the lightning caused a tree to explode near to where she had been sitting. 

A second woman nearby had been on her phone when the lighting also struck her – partially amputating her finger and fracturing her jaw.

NSW Police confirmed the fatality.

‘A second woman, also aged in her 40’s, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Liverpool Hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition,’ a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

The two women had been in the yard of a semi-rural home when the lightning struck and exploded a tree and then jumped to a woman on her phone (file image)

NSW Ambulance said the second woman’s injuries were significant. 

‘Paramedics transported a woman in her 40s to Liverpool hospital. She had multiple injuries including hand and face injuries and she was in a serious condition when she arrived at hospital,’ a spokesperson said.

The Hunter, Illawarra and Central Tablelands regions were issued a severe thunderstorm warning about 3.10pm by the Bureau of Meteorology. 

Police have set up a crime scene at the home and are investigating the circumstances around the tragedy.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.