In a tragic turn of events, a father and son lost their lives after being struck by lightning in Kishorenagar block in Angul district, while two others sustained injuries.
The incident took place in Tokaba village this afternoon, where villagers had gathered for work. The victims, Prafulla (father) and his son Prabin, were working alongside others when a sudden lightning strike forced them to take shelter under a nearby mango tree. Unfortunately, the powerful bolt hit them directly.
Two other villagers, Arun Behera (55) of Rani Bhui village and Biranchi Sethy (30) of Tokaba village, suffered serious injuries. Local residents rushed them to Kishorenagar Community Health Centre for immediate medical attention, but doctors declared Prafulla and Prabin dead on arrival.
Due to the critical condition of Biranchi Sethy, he was transferred via 108 ambulance to Angul District Headquarters Hospital for further treatment.
Local police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the tragic incident. Authorities have urged people to take precautions during thunderstorms and avoid seeking shelter under trees.