Chhendipada: At least 50 devotees were injured, many of them critically, when lightning struck them Saturday afternoon during the Mandargiri puja atop Chitrakoot hill, near Jarachhat village under Kundheigola police limits in Deogarh district bordering this block in Angul district.
Officials said over 70 men and women from Jarachhat village had gathered on the hilltop for the ritual when lightning struck them amid heavy rain.
Many devotees collapsed on the spot. Villagers rushed to rescue them and admitted the injured persons to nearby Chhendipada, Kaniha and Koshala hospitals.
At least nine injured people were taken to the Koshala community health centre.
Five others were admitted to the Kaniha community health centre.
At least 40 others are being treated at Chhendipada hospital.
Four patients in critical condition were shifted to the Angul district headquarters hospital.
Chhendipada Tehsildar Manas Ray visited the hospital and inquired about the health condition of the injured persons.
PNN
