In a tragic incident, eight individuals, including six children, lost their lives due to a lightning strike in Joratarai village, Rajnandgaon district, during heavy rainfall on Monday, reported ANI.
District Collector Sanjay Agarwal reported that the victims were returning home from school when they, along with two others, sought shelter under a shed beneath a tree. The lightning struck while they were waiting, resulting in the fatalities. Officials quickly arrived on the scene and transported the deceased to the hospital, where one person was treated for injuries.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his condolences, stating, “We are aware of the situation, and the government is taking immediate action. The loss of schoolchildren is particularly heartbreaking. Our officials have reached the area, and relief funds are being dispatched promptly.”
This incident follows another lightning strike earlier this month in Baloda Bazar, which claimed seven lives and left three injured when individuals sought refuge under a tree during a downpour.
The deceased from the Rajnandgaon incident have been identified as Mukesh (20), Tankar (30), Santosh (40), Thaneshwar (18), Pokhraj (38), Dev (22), and Vijay (23). The injured include Vishambar, Bittu Sahu, and Chetan Sahu.
(With inputs from ANI)
