Bhubaneswar: At least four people, including a couple and a differently-abled woman, lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents as Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms accompanied by rain swept across several parts of Odisha on Friday.
According to reports, a couple was killed after being struck by lightning in Rutishila village under Ghatagaon block of Keonjhar district during the storm.
In another incident, a labourer identified as Sunia Malik died after being struck by lightning while working in a field at Sathipur village under Panikoili police station limits in Jajpur district. Sources said Malik had gone to the field for earthwork when a sudden thunderstorm developed in the afternoon. A lightning strike hit him, causing him to collapse on the spot.
Co-workers and local residents immediately rushed him to the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Panikoili police have registered an unnatural death case and sent the body for post-mortem examination. An investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, villagers have urged the government to provide financial assistance to Malik’s family, stating that he was the sole earning member of the household.
In Mayurbhanj district, a differently-abled young woman, identified as Jhunu Patra, died after being struck by lightning in Bidukudia village under Baisinga police station limits. She lived with her mother and brother and had been suffering from a disability since birth.
According to local residents, a sudden Kalbaisakhi storm accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds and frequent lightning struck the area around 4:30 p.m. As Jhunu rushed outdoors to bring back a grazing cow, she was struck by lightning and died on the spot.
The incidents occurred as Kalbaisakhi conditions triggered thunderstorms, gusty winds and lightning activity across several districts of the state. Authorities have urged people to remain indoors and follow safety advisories during thunderstorms and lightning events.
