Patna: At least seven people lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents across four districts of Bihar on Friday, according to the chief minister’s office. The fatalities occurred in Aurangabad, Gaya, Saran, and Khagaria as thunderstorms and rain swept through parts of the state.
Government Response
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed officials from the disaster management department to ensure that an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh is provided to the next of kin of each deceased. In a post on X, he expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the affected families. He wrote in Hindi: “The untimely deaths of two persons in Aurangabad, three in Gaya, one each in Saran and Khagaria district due to lightning strikes in the state are extremely tragic. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to their families during this difficult time.” He also urged residents to stay alert during inclement weather and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of lightning-related incidents.
Incident Details
In Aurangabad, police reported that a government school teacher, Sunil Kumar Singh, 43, died after being struck by lightning inside the campus of Bhekhnapura Primary School in Rafiganj. In another incident in the same district, farmer Kedar Yadav, 55, of Keshradi village under Daudnagar police station area, was struck by lightning while out for a morning walk.
In Gaya, Dinesh Yadav of Barwadih village died after stepping out for work around 8 am when lightning struck. Separately, 17-year-old Manisha Kumari died in Gularbed village, while her mother Gauri Devi sustained serious injuries after lightning hit a mahua tree under which they had taken shelter from the rain.
In Khagaria, Girish Yadav died in Tharuwatola village after stepping out for work. In Saran, farmer Chandrama Chaudhary died in Goriya Chhapra village under Rivilganj police station area, police said.
