Deogarh: A 52-year-old woman was killed and nine others, including four children, sustained injuries after a lightning strike hit them at a village in Odisha’s Deogarh district on Saturday.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place when a group of villagers were returning from a Dashah (10th-day death ritual) feast at Karlaga village under Kundheigola police station limits. The deceased was identified as Sabitri Munda of Barkhol Sahi in Karlaga village.
Sources said 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 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.
