Did lightning strikes in Bengal really cause 13 deaths?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lightning strikes resulted in 13 fatalities in West Bengal.
- Seven deaths occurred in Bankura, five in East Burdwan, and one in West Midnapore.
- Immediate medical assistance was crucial for the injured.
- The Met Office has warned of further thunderstorms.
- Public awareness and safety measures are essential during extreme weather.
Kolkata, July 24 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded in West Bengal on Thursday as lightning strikes claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals across three districts.
The fatalities included seven from Bankura, five from East Burdwan, and one from West Midnapore.
In Bankura, Ziaul Haque Mollah, a resident of Khiri village within the Kotulpur police jurisdiction, was struck while working in the fields. Despite immediate assistance from nearby individuals, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Another victim, Jiban Ghosh, suffered severe injuries in Patrasayer. Initially brought to the Patrasayer Block Primary Health Centre, he was later transferred to Bishnupur Super Speciality Hospital and subsequently to Bankura Sammilani Medical College, where he was declared dead.
Additionally, Narayan Sawar lost his life at Onda in Bankura. In Indas, a lightning strike resulted in one fatality and another injury, with the deceased identified as Sheikh Ismail. A similar incident occurred in the Joypur area, claiming the life of Uttam Bhuniya.
In East Burdwan, a sixty-year-old man, Sanatan Patra, was working in a field when he was struck. Police reported that he was rushed to Alampur Primary Health Centre, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Another victim from this district was identified as Sanjay Hebraram, aged 28, from Bhedia village.
In West Midnapore, Lakhsmikanta Pan, aged 42, also succumbed to injuries from a lightning strike.
The Met Office has issued warnings of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across southern Bengal until July 27.