‘The tree exploded’: Heartbreak over Sydney woman killed in lightning strike

A woman who died after lightning struck a tree at a property in south-west Sydney has been remembered as a loving mother of four whose death leaves an immeasurable void.

Rosanna Hashem, who owned a cat-grooming business, was killed in the incident at Cawdor near Camden on Saturday afternoon. She would have turned 44 on Sunday.

Another woman in her 40s was left with a partially amputated finger and a broken jaw and was transported to Liverpool Hospital, where she was in a stable condition.

They were sitting in the backyard when they were hit by flying debris from a tree which was struck by lightning and exploded about 5.30pm.

Paramedics rushed to the property and treated Hashem but she could not be revived.

Her business, the Groomery, released a statement on Sunday paying tribute to her.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of Rosanna’s passing following an unexpected accident on Saturday, February 8th, 2025,” it said.

Rosanna Hashem was sitting outside when the deadly lightning bolt struck on Saturday afternoon.Credit: Facebook

“Rose was not only the heart and foundation of the Groomery but also a beloved mother of four boys, a devoted wife, a cherished sister, and a dear friend to so many.

“Over the past five years, she and her team poured their hearts into building a warm and trusted community, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void. Rose’s care, laughter, and kindness brought people together, creating a family—one that will forever carry her memory forward.”

The cat grooming salon has been closed until further notice.

NSW Ambulance Inspector David Kynaston described the lightning bolt and its devastating consequences as a freak occurrence, which he said had been very confronting for emergency services personnel who attended as well as for family members, among them young children.

“Both [women] had been seated about six metres from a large tree, and this had been struck by a lightning bolt, which literally caused the tree to explode, sending debris all over the place,” Kynaston said.

A tree exploded as it was struck by lightning, killing Rosanna Hashem nearby and injuring another woman. Credit: Nine News

A neighbour who did not wish to be named said an approaching thunderstorm had not yet arrived in the semi-rural area when he heard a “huge bang” from his home, about 300 to 400 metres away across paddocks.

“The clouds were just rolling over ... there was no grumbling or anything,” he said on Sunday.

“It was just one big bang, and it was huge. It scared the life out of me.”

He said there had been as many as two storms a day lately around Old Razorback Road, where the lightning struck, but conditions did not appear to be as treacherous on Saturday.

“We’ve had a lot worse lately. We’ve had a lot of lightning,” he said.

“I had just walked back from across the road from my Nan’s with my kids … it kind of just came out of nowhere. People were still putting cars away.”

NSW Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

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