Two minors died in a lightning strike on Friday afternoon in Jhankarapada village under Manmunda police limits in Boudhagada district.
The victims were identified as 11‑year‑old Biswajit Mirdha of Jhankarapada and 17‑year‑old Charan Kumhar of Kirashira village.
Witnesses said heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning struck the area around 4 p.m. Both boys took shelter under a tamarind tree near their homes. A sudden lightning bolt hit the tree, killing them instantly.
Charan had been living in Jhankarapada Harijan Sahi to care for his elderly grandparents. Biswajit was a student of Sagada Government High School. Their sudden deaths shocked the entire region, leaving families and villagers devastated.
Residents gathered at the site and demanded immediate government assistance for the bereaved families. Villagers said the tragedy highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns and protective measures against lightning strikes, which remain a recurring hazard in rural Odisha.
