Patna, Aug 11 (IANS) Three labourers from Sitamarhi district were killed after being struck by lightning while working in a paddy field in Rajauli, Nawada, on Tuesday.
The three deceased were relatives, including an uncle and his two nephews.
The incident took place in Dariyapur village under Amawan West Panchayat, where the labourers had been working during the paddy transplantation season. A group of 12 labourers from Sitamarhi had travelled to the Rajauli area in search of seasonal employment.
According to preliminary information, the labourers were working at different locations in the area. While some were engaged in paddy transplantation in nearby Raja Bigha village, four labourers were working in the field of local farmer Manoj Yadav in Dariyapur.
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered over the area and lightning struck the field amid heavy thunder. Three labourers were fatally struck and died at the spot.
The deceased have been identified as 60‑year‑old Mani Manjhi, 20‑year‑old Rajendra Manjhi, son of Rampreet Manjhi, and 18‑year‑old Indrajit Manjhi, son of Indal Manjhi. All three were residents of Madheshra village in Sitamarhi district and were related to one another.
Another labourer, Raghuvir Kumar, son of Ashok Manjhi and also a resident of Madheshra, was present at the site when the lightning struck and survived.
The incident triggered panic in the area, and villagers rushed to the spot after learning about the tragedy. Residents informed the police and block administration. Two ambulances subsequently reached the location. The bodies were taken for the necessary formalities and post‑mortem examination.
The deaths have left the families and fellow labourers devastated. The victims had travelled from Sitamarhi to Nawada in search of seasonal work to support their families. Their deaths have plunged both their native village and the area where the incident occurred into mourning.
The state government has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation to the family members of the deceased persons.
–IANS
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