How Did Lightning Strikes Lead to Six Fatalities in MP?

Bhopal, June 15 (NationPress) A series of tragic lightning strikes swept through various regions of Madhya Pradesh over the weekend, resulting in the unfortunate loss of at least six lives and leaving numerous others injured, including children and livestock, amidst unseasonal thunderstorms.

In Simri Baroda village, under the jurisdiction of Magron police station in Damoh district, a heartbreaking incident occurred on Saturday evening when three children went into the fields to collect mangoes. As the weather took a sudden turn, they were struck by lightning.

Among the victims were fourteen-year-old Amit, son of Narayan Ahirwar, along with his friends Madan (15) and Anil (17). Madan, son of Kamoda Ahirwar, was discovered unconscious and later pronounced dead at Hata Civil Hospital, according to police reports. Amit and Anil suffered injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Witnesses noted visible lightning burns on Madan’s chest and torn clothing, highlighting the severity of the strike. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Additional lightning-related deaths occurred in the Dhar and Maihar districts of the state.

In the Sardarpur region of Dhar, three separate incidents claimed the lives of agricultural workers. Vardi Bai from Kumar Rundi village and Sukhram from Naharpura Jolana village were both struck while returning from their fields.

In Ratakot village, under Amjhera police station, 28-year-old Munni Bai, the wife of Sohan Singh Damor, also lost her life due to a lightning strike while working in the fields.

Authorities have filed cases, and post-mortem examinations were carried out at Sardarpur Hospital.

The Amjhera area experienced further devastation when lightning struck near the Bakhtawar reservoir, resulting in the death of seven goats and severely injuring 25-year-old Nitesh, who was looking after the animals. He is presently hospitalized at Amjhera Health Centre.

In Maihar, sudden climatic changes caused heavy rain and lightning, leading to the death of 35-year-old Suraj Rawat from Madai village, who was seeking shelter under a tree. Additional injuries were reported in neighboring villages, including 13-year-old Atul Kol and his 23-year-old uncle Mahajan Kol, who were struck while grazing goats, as well as Kalpana Singh (32) and 8-year-old Kishan Singh, who were injured while working in the fields in Sonwari.

All injured individuals were transported to Maihar Civil Hospital, where Rawat was declared deceased.

Meteorological experts attribute the rise in lightning activity to intense convective storms caused by high humidity and elevated temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings advising individuals to avoid open fields and seek shelter under sturdy structures during thunderstorms.

On Saturday, another individual lost his life in Sehore due to a lightning strike.

The deceased, identified as Kailash, a 50-year-old man from Shambhu Khedi village in Sehore, was struck while grazing cattle. Two others sustained injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical care.