In a heart-wrenching freak accident, a massive bamboo clump struck by lightning crashed down on two women who had rushed for shelter during a sudden thunderstorm, claiming both their lives instantly.
The victims have been identified as 65-year-old Shaila Bishoyi and her 35-year-old daughter-in-law, Santosini Bishoyi. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday in Muduli Palli village under Bhanjanagar tehsil when the two women were returning home after working in their farmland. Dark clouds gathered quickly, followed by strong gusts of wind and deafening thunder.
Frightened by the raging weather, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law took refuge under a large bamboo bush, hoping it would protect them from the downpour. Within moments, however, a powerful lightning strike combined with the fierce wind uprooted the entire bamboo clump, sending it crashing down on them.
Nearby farmers who witnessed the horrifying scene immediately raised an alarm. Villagers rushed to the spot and called for emergency help. An ambulance and fire brigade team reached the location, carefully removed the heavy bamboo debris, and rushed the two women to Bhanjanagar Medical College Hospital. Doctors, however, declared both dead on arrival.
The entire village has been plunged into mourning. Neighbours described the duo as hardworking women who were deeply attached to each other and often worked together in the fields.
Bhanjanagar Police have registered a case of unnatural death. The bodies have been kept in the mortuary for postmortem. Station Officer Jibananda Jena confirmed that the bodies will be handed over to the grieving family after the autopsy on Friday.
