PATNA: A tragic lightning strike claimed the lives of four people and left two women critically injured in Sangovar village under Nardiganj block of Bihar's Nawada district on Friday, officials said.
The victims had taken shelter beneath a large tree during a sudden spell of rain when lightning struck, resulting in multiple casualties.
The weather turned stormy while several people were working in the fields.
As rain intensified, they sought refuge under a tree.
During the thunderstorm, lightning struck the tree directly, killing four people on the spot and severely injuring two women.
The deceased have been identified as Shambhu Kumar (45), son of the late Chandrika Yadav; Madan Rajvanshi (50), son of Muneshwar Rajvanshi; Bhuvneshwar Rajvanshi (50), son of Dukhan Rajvanshi; and Sonu Kumar (12), son of Mithilesh Prasad.
The injured women have been identified as Sunita Devi, wife of the late Govind Yadav and Shobhi Devi, wife of Lalit Yadav.
The incident triggered panic across Sangovar village, with residents rushing to the spot immediately after the lightning strike.
With the help of villagers, all six victims were taken to the Nardiganj Primary Health Centre (PHC).
After examination, doctors declared four of them dead, while the two injured women were admitted for treatment.
Their condition is reported to be serious, and they continue to receive medical care.
The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over the village, as grieving family members and local residents gathered at the hospital and the victims' homes.
The district administration has confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
Administrative officials visited the affected village, inspected the site, and met the families of the victims.
Officials said that financial assistance and ex-gratia compensation would be provided to the families of the deceased in accordance with disaster management norms.
The administration also assured that all necessary medical treatment would be provided to the injured women.
Following the incident, the administration and police appealed to residents to avoid taking shelter beneath trees or remaining in open fields during thunderstorms, noting that trees are among the most common locations struck by lightning.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for thunderstorms and lightning in Nawada and adjoining districts over the coming days.
Authorities have advised people to remain indoors or move to safe shelters whenever severe weather conditions develop.
--IANS
