In a heartbreaking incident that has plunged the local community into grief, three young labourers were killed and another seriously injured when lightning struck them while they were working at a tent site in Naraynpur village, just on the outskirts of Kendujhar town, on Thursday afternoon.
The tragedy occurred around 3 PM when the four workers from Maa Tarini Tent House were busy with their duties under open skies. Without any warning, a powerful bolt of lightning hit the area, proving fatal for three of them on the spot.
The victims have been identified as Alok Tigiria (25) from Naraynpur’s Rugudisahi, Sagar Nayak (24) from the Ghatgaon area, and Petu Nayak (27) from Sadangi village under Turumunga police station limits. The fourth worker, Amit Nayak, also from Rugudisahi, sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at the Kendujhar District Headquarters Hospital.
Local residents described the scene as chaotic and devastating, with the sudden strike leaving everyone in shock. “It happened so fast — one moment they were working, the next they were gone,” said a neighbour, reflecting the numbness that has gripped the village.
Senior administrative officials and police teams rushed to the spot and later visited the hospital. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, after which the state government is expected to provide ex-gratia assistance to the grieving families.
