Banka/Patna: At least five people were killed and seven others injured after lightning struck several locations across Banka district during heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon. The victims, most of whom were working in paddy fields, were spread across four blocks of the district.
The dead include a father and his seven-year-old son, whose deaths in Khava village under the Banka Town police station area have left the community in shock.
Father and Son Die While Working in Field
According to police, 35-year-old Brahmdev Yadav had gone to work in his field on Sunday. His seven-year-old son, Prince Kumar, accompanied him as schools were closed for the weekend.
As heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through the area, lightning struck the pair directly.
“They were brought to Banka Sadar Hospital with severe burn injuries, where doctors declared both dead. Post-mortem examinations are being conducted and legal formalities are underway,” said Sudhir Kumar, Station House Officer of Banka Town police station.
Three More Killed in Separate Incidents
In another incident in Gulaho village under the same police station limits, Vinod Yadav was struck by lightning while working in his field. He was rushed to hospital but was declared dead.
Sarita Devi also lost her life after being struck by lightning while transplanting paddy in Leelavaran village. Family members took her to hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
In the Salempur Rai Bahiyar area under Amarpur police station, labourer Ajay Mahto died after lightning struck near the field where he was transplanting paddy. According to family members, the lightning hit a nearby tree, severely injuring him. He was taken to Amarpur Referral Hospital but could not be saved.
Separately, Sadhu Tanti, a farmer from Dafarpur village in Barahat block, died after being struck by lightning while working in his field. Police said his body has been sent for post-mortem.
Seven Injured Across District
Seven other farmers and labourers sustained serious injuries in separate lightning incidents across the district.
In Rajaun block, Rina Devi and Kalpana Devi of Simraundha village, Rita Devi of Muradpur, and Dinesh Pratap Singh of Morama were injured while transplanting paddy during the storm.
In Domuhan village under Anandpur police station in Chandan block, Haidar Ansari, Zishan Ansari and Kari Devi were also seriously injured after lightning struck while they were working in agricultural fields.
All the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment.
Panic After Multiple Lightning Strikes
The series of lightning strikes occurred as heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed Banka on Sunday afternoon. The incidents have left several families bereaved and triggered concern among residents, particularly farmers and agricultural workers engaged in paddy transplantation during the monsoon season.
Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examinations and initiated further legal proceedings in the respective cases.
