In a heartbreaking incident during the Raja festival celebrations in Gudari, Rayagada district, Odisha, a lightning strike claimed the lives of two young women and left another critically injured.
The tragedy occurred on Monday, the final day of the Raja festival, as a group of approximately 40 people from Mil Depsahi village were concluding a picnic. Amidst heavy rainfall, a sudden lightning strike struck Sonali Gouda (20), Rupali Gouda (19), and Kajal Gouda (20), who were returning home.
Local residents and relatives rushed the victims to the Gudari Community Health Centre, where medical staff provided initial treatment. Due to the severity of their injuries, the victims were transferred to the hospital in Gunupur.
Tragically, doctors declared Sonali and Rupali dead on arrival. Kajal, who sustained critical injuries, was shifted to the Paralakhemundi hospital for advanced treatment.
The loss has cast a pall of grief over the community, turning a festive occasion into a sombre tragedy.
