Odisha man killed, four of his family members injured in lightning strike

Rourkela: In a saddening incident, a man died in lightning strike while his wife, son and two daughters sustained critical injuries in Lathikata village in Sundergarh district today.

When the deceased, Kunjala Bhumija of Ataghata Badabasti, wife Juagana Bhumija, son and two daughters were returning home after finishing agricultural activities, there was lightning and heavy rain at around 11.30 am. To protect themselves, the family took shelter under a tree near Ataghata.

Suddenly, a lightning struck the tree under which Kunjala and his family had taken shelter.

Kunjala died on the spot whereas his wife and children fell unconscious and sustained critical injuries. Later locals rescued the injured and informed the police. After getting information, police rushed to the spot and sent the body for postmortem.

The injured were admitted to the Rourkela Government Hospital.