A tragic series of lightning strikes in Bihar’s Khagaria district resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries on Thursday. In Kanhauli village, three individuals, including a father and his eight-year-old son, lost their lives while harvesting maize in the fields. The victims, identified as Ashutosh Yadav, Vidyanand Yadav, and the eight-year-old son of Ashutosh Yadav, succumbed to severe burn injuries caused by the lightning strike.
The sudden adverse weather conditions caught villagers off guard as dark clouds gathered swiftly, accompanied by heavy rain and thunder. Despite efforts to seek shelter, the lightning strike occurred, leading to the tragic deaths. Two other villagers sustained injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, doctors confirmed that both individuals are now in stable condition.
In a separate incident in the Beldaur police station area, two youths lost their lives due to lightning strikes, while five others were injured. Kush Mahto, aged 21, was collecting crop residue when lightning struck near Nardapur village, resulting in his immediate death. Another victim, Ajnash Mahto, suffered severe burn injuries and later passed away despite medical treatment. Additionally, five individuals in Itmadi village suffered severe burns from another lightning strike.
Authorities, including Circle Officer Amit Kumar, have been overseeing relief operations in the affected areas. Ambulances have been deployed to transport the injured to the Community Health Centre. The administration has confirmed two fatalities and five injuries in the Beldaur region due to lightning strikes, prompting the initiation of relief assistance and compensation procedures under government disaster relief provisions. The incidents have instilled fear among farmers and laborers, emphasizing the need for public awareness campaigns on lightning safety and immediate support for affected families.
