Tragic Lightning Strikes in Bihar Claim Five Lives
Devastating Weather Events in Khagaria District
Representational Image
Patna, June 11: A series of tragic lightning strikes during unexpected adverse weather conditions resulted in the deaths of five individuals in Khagaria district, Bihar, on Thursday. The incidents have left numerous others injured and have caused widespread sorrow in the affected communities.
One of the most heartbreaking events took place in Kanhauli village, located in the Baltara Panchayat of the Gogri block. Here, three individuals, including a father and his eight-year-old son, lost their lives when lightning struck while they were harvesting maize.
The victims were identified as Ashutosh Yadav, his son, and another local named Vidyanand Yadav.
Witnesses reported that around a dozen villagers were working in the maize fields when the weather suddenly turned severe.
Dark clouds rolled in quickly, followed by heavy rain and thunder.
As the workers sought shelter, lightning struck the field.
Despite the villagers' efforts to assist, the three individuals had already succumbed to fatal burn injuries from the lightning strike.
Additionally, two other villagers sustained injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical care.
Medical professionals confirmed that both are currently stable.
The loss of the father and son has cast a shadow of grief over the village, with family members and residents struggling to cope with the tragedy.
In a separate incident within the Beldaur police station area of Khagaria district, lightning strikes at various locations resulted in the deaths of two more young men and injuries to five others.
The deceased were identified as Kush Mahto and Ajnash Mahto.
Reports indicate that 21-year-old Kush Mahto was gathering crop residue near Nardapur village around 8:30 a.m. when lightning struck during a sudden downpour, killing him instantly.
Nearby, tractor driver Ajnash Mahto suffered severe burns from the same weather event.
Both men were rushed to the Community Health Centre in Beldaur, where doctors pronounced Kush Mahto dead.
Despite medical efforts, Ajnash Mahto later died from his injuries.
Another lightning incident was reported in Itmadi village, where five individuals suffered serious burns.
Authorities stated that the identities of the victims were still being confirmed at the time of reporting.
In response to the situation, Amit Kumar, the Circle Officer of Beldaur, visited the affected areas to oversee relief efforts.
Ambulances were arranged to transport the injured to the Community Health Centre.
The Circle Officer confirmed that at least two fatalities and five injuries had been officially recorded in the Beldaur area due to lightning strikes.
He also mentioned that the administration has begun the process of providing relief assistance and compensation under government disaster relief guidelines.
The incidents have instilled fear among farmers and laborers working outdoors as weather conditions remain unpredictable in the region.
Local residents are calling on the administration to implement extensive public awareness campaigns about lightning safety and to ensure prompt compensation for the affected families.