A devastating lightning strike claimed the lives of three labourers, including a JCB driver, and left two others critically injured at a canal construction site in Nilagiri block under Berhampur Police Station, Chhatrapur Panchayat in Balasore district..
The incident occurred unexpectedly around noon while more than twenty workers were engaged in the canal construction under the Risia Canal. With no nearby shelter, the labourers took refuge under a tree when ominous Kalahaandi-like storm clouds rapidly approached, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Unfortunately, the tree was struck directly, resulting in immediate fatalities.
The deceased have been identified preliminarily as Arpit from Kantipur village under Basta Police Station (JCB driver), Manasi Singh of Ashokanala village, and Jema Singh from Badheipala village. The injured were rushed to Barahampur Community Health Centre by co-workers, where doctors declared three individuals dead on arrival.
Local authorities from Berhampur Police Station reached the hospital for further investigation, confirming the tragic circumstances. The area surrounding the hospital witnessed a sombre atmosphere as news of the fatalities broke, with residents mourning the unexpected loss of life.
Sources indicate that the canal work had begun as usual earlier in the day, and the victims were caught off guard due to a lack of proper shelter near the construction site.
The incident underscores urgent concerns about occupational safety standards in outdoor infrastructure projects, especially amid unpredictable weather patterns in the region. Investigations continue.
