In a tragic incident amid sudden heavy rains and thunderstorms, a lightning strike in Sukriguda village under Mujang Panchayat of Dashmantpur block in Koraput has claimed the life of one man and left two women in critical condition.
The mishap occurred on Saturday late evening when dark clouds gathered unexpectedly, unleashing fierce winds, crackling lightning, and torrential downpour over the remote village. Lingu Jani (55), a resident of Sukriguda, was returning home along with two women from the Damanajodi area after selling firewood. As they passed through a stretch close to the Nalco red mud pond area, a bolt of lightning struck them.
Jani died instantly at the scene, while his two companions sustained severe injuries. Alerted by the commotion, local villagers rushed to the spot and rushed the injured women to Mathalput Community Health Centre for urgent medical attention. Eyewitnesses described a heart-wrenching scene, with family members and villagers gathering around the site, their cries of grief echoing through the rain-soaked fields.
Koraput Sadar Police were promptly informed and arrived at the location to secure the area. They have registered an unnatural death case and initiated a preliminary investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances of the strike.
