Post News Network
Khurda, April 11: Two persons died and a woman sustained injuries after lightning struck them at three places in the block Saturday.
The deceased were identified as Rishna Chandra Bhanja (46) of Haladia and Jagannath Basti (50) of Muktapur. Bidulata Behera (38), who sustained injuries, is undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital and her condition is stated to be stable.
Sources said rain accompanied by thunder and lightning started in the block at around 4pm and the trio was struck by lightning at isolated places. They were rushed to the district headquarters hospital where Bhanja and Basti succumbed.
Most of the villages under the block plunged into darkness as thunder and lightning struck the electric poles. Electricity cables were also snapped at several places. Mobile and broadband services were also hit due to the gale.