Deogarh: A 52-year-old woman was killed and nine others, including four children, were injured after a lightning strike hit a group of villagers returning from a Dashah (10th-day death ritual) feast in Deogarh district on Saturday.
The incident occurred at Manoharpur Sahi in Karlaga village under Kundheigola police station limits. The deceased was identified as Sabitri Munda of Barkhol Sahi in Karlaga village.
According to reports, villagers had gathered to attend a Dashah feast organised following the death of Mangalu Munda of Karlaga Munda Sahi. After the feast, relatives and neighbours were returning home when sudden rain accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed the area.
As the weather worsened, the group took shelter near a tree. During this time, a lightning bolt struck the spot, killing Sabitri Munda on the spot and seriously injuring nine others.
Local residents immediately rushed to the rescue and shifted the injured to Chhendipada CHC with the help of a 108 ambulance service.
Hospital sources said the injured include four children and five women. After receiving preliminary treatment at Chhendipada Chhendipada CHC, four of the injured were referred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Angul for advanced medical care.
Police and local authorities are monitoring the situation, while treatment of the injured is underway.
