A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in New South Wales yesterday, as a beloved mother and business owner, Rosanna Hashem, lost her life to a lightning strike that resulted in a tree exploding in Cawdor, south-west of Sydney. The incident occurred around 5.30 pm, while Rosanna was in the company of a friend outdoors. The lightning bolt struck a nearby tree, leading to a series of events that ended in a devastating loss.
Jemma Powell, who had worked alongside Rosanna for the past seven months, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as “really tragic.” She painted a poignant picture of Rosanna as a devoted mother of four boys, a loving wife, and the proud sole owner of her own business. Powell highlighted Rosanna’s unwavering commitment to serving the community over the years, her passion for animal welfare, and her overall wonderful personality that was taken away far too soon.
The scene of the incident was one of heart-wrenching devastation, as debris from the exploding tree struck Rosanna while she was sitting on the veranda of her property. Powell shared that the impact of the tragedy had deeply affected Rosanna’s partner, who was grappling with the overwhelming sight of the aftermath. The shock and grief reverberated through the community, with many left reeling from the sudden loss of such a vibrant and caring individual.
Rosanna Hashem’s business, The Groomery Sydney, which she operated from her property, announced her passing with profound sadness in a Facebook post. The business expressed its condolences and announced the temporary closure until further notice, as the community mourned the loss of a cherished member.
Emergency services responded to the distressing scene at Old Razorback Road in Cawdor, where Rosanna lost her life and her friend was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in serious but stable condition. NSW Ambulance spokesman David Kynaston recounted the harrowing details of the incident, noting that the lightning strike had caused the tree to explode, sending debris flying in all directions. The tragic nature of the event was not lost on Kynaston, who emphasized the traumatic impact on both the family involved and the emergency responders who witnessed the aftermath.
The unfortunate incident occurred amidst a severe weather warning issued for parts of the state, predicting a “very dangerous thunderstorm” with intense rainfall, large hailstones, and damaging winds. The State Emergency Service (SES) advised residents in several areas to stay indoors as the storm passed through, including High Range, Robertson, Colo Vale, Hill Top, and Bowral. The storm system swept through Nattai National Park, Yerranderie, and the Nattai Tablelands before moving northeast towards Oakdale, the western parts of the Wollondilly Shire, and the area west of Picton.
As the community grapples with the profound loss of Rosanna Hashem, the echoes of this tragic event serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often devastating power of nature. The outpouring of support and condolences from friends, family, and the wider community stands as a testament to the impact Rosanna had on those around her, leaving a void that will be deeply felt for years to come. The sudden and tragic nature of her passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones.