Boudh: Two minors lost their lives after being struck by lightning while taking shelter under a tree during heavy rain in Boudh district on Friday.
The tragic incident occurred at Sagada Jhankarpara under Manamunda police station limits. The deceased have been identified as Biswajit Mirdha of Jhankarada village and Charan Kumbhar of Chaunriapada village.
According to reports, the two boys were playing cricket when rain suddenly began. They sought refuge under a tamarind tree, where lightning struck, leaving both of them critically injured. They collapsed on the spot.
Locals immediately rushed the boys to the Manamunda Community Health Centre. They were later referred to a hospital in Sonepur, where doctors declared both of them dead.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area. Sources said Charan Kumbhar had come to Jhankarpara to visit his maternal uncle’s house when the tragedy occurred.
