Berhampur: While most regions of Odisha are reeling under heatwave conditions, two youths standing under a tree for protection from rain were killed in Ganjam district on Sunday due to a lightning strike.
According to reports, the deceased youths have been identified as Dubur Pradhan of Nirakarpur and Santanu Pradhan of Pilasar in the district. They were both engaged as labourers in Meena Bazaar at Gandhi Chhak in Patapur of Berhampur.
The youths were reportedly taking a rest under a mango tree after lunch when northwesterly struck the area. As it rained heavily, they could not go anywhere for shelter.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the tree and Dubur and Santanu standing under it. The youths immediately collapsed and fell unconscious under the tree. Some local people potted them and informed the police.
A team from Patapur police station reached the spot and sent the youths to a local hospital but the doctors there declared them dead.
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and started an investigation.
