Cuttack: Two persons were killed after being struck by lightning while working in a field at Bishnupur village under Tigiria police station limits in Cuttack district on Sunday.
The deceased have been identified as Naba Kishor Raut (55) and Mandar Dhar Pati (30), both residents of Bishnupur village.
According to reports, the duo was engaged in agricultural work when sudden rain accompanied by strong winds lashed the area in the afternoon. Seeking shelter from the weather, they took refuge in a nearby straw hut in the middle of the field.
During the adverse weather conditions, lightning struck the area, leading to a fatal incident. The straw hut reportedly caught fire following the strike, and a water pump motor kept nearby was also completely damaged.
Locals rushed to the spot after the incident and alerted the police and fire services. The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination, according to reports.
A pall of gloom descended over the village following the tragic incident.
Further investigation is underway.
