Lightning Strike Kills 11 People Taking Selfies On Watchtower Here

Jaipur: A total of 11 people have lost lives and several others feared injured in a lightning strike close to the 12th century Amer Palace here.

The tragic incident occurred when people were busy taking selfies at a watchtower amid heavy showers in the Rajasthan capital.

Reports said 27 people were present at the watchtower and the fort wall when the lightning struck. Many suffered injuries when they jumped off the tower in panic.

A compensation of ₹ 5 lakh was announced by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the families of the deceased.

Besides the Amer Palace incident, nine more casualties were there in the state on Sunday due to lightning. Baran and Jhalawar witnessed one death each while four died in Kota and three in Dholpur districts. Seven of those were children who lost lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the deaths.

“Many people have lost their lives due to lightning in some areas of Rajasthan. Deeply saddened by the demise of people. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those killed: PM @narendramodi,” Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said via a tweet.

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