What began as a carefree outing to an ancient temple in the dry bed of the Brahmani River ended in unimaginable horror for six young friends in Odisha’s Debagada district on Monday afternoon.
A powerful lightning strike amid heavy rain claimed three lives and left five others injured in two separate tragedies that have plunged the region into mourning.
In the Banakal area under Barkote block, six youths riding two motorcycles were returning after visiting the historic temple when disaster struck. A fierce lightning bolt hit their group, instantly setting one bike ablaze. Two riders were burnt alive along with their motorcycle at the spot. The four others suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the Debagada District Headquarters Hospital.
The deceased from this incident have been identified as Bubun Samal from Katasahi in Asarnali village under Basalai panchayat and Dolamani Penthei from Pitasahi. The injured youths are Rudra Bhoi (22) from Pitasahi, Sunil Luhura (22) from Katasahi, Juyal Samal (24), and Tiru Samal (21).
In a separate but equally devastating incident in the Mirgidia area of Tentuli Sahi, 26-year-old Raja Kandula and his wife, Barsha, were struck by lightning while standing in their home courtyard. Raja succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while Barsha is currently receiving treatment.
The five injured persons have been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.
