Lightning Strikes in India Turn Deadly; 29 Killed and 18 Students Injured

Patna: In the Indian state of Bihar, a series of lightning strikes have claimed the lives of 50 individuals and left 18 students injured. According to Indian media reports, incidents of lightning strikes have occurred in various districts of Bihar. Five deaths were reported in Madhubani, four in Aurangabad, and three each in Supaul and Nalanda. Two fatalities each were recorded in Lakhisarai and Patna, while Begusarai, Jamui, Gopalganj, Rohtas, Samastipur, and Purnia each reported one death.
In addition, in the village of Bathna, farmers were struck by lightning while working in their fields. The sudden bolt claimed the lives of two farmers, with one reported in critical condition. Another incident in the village of Dumaria resulted in the death of two women due to lightning, with one person severely injured.
Another lightning strike incident occurred in Bhujpur district where a school was hit, fortunately causing no fatalities but leaving 18 students injured. Residents promptly transferred the injured students to nearby hospitals, where two are now in critical care units while the condition of others is said to be stable.
The Disaster Management Authority of Bihar has issued a statement confirming that the number of fatalities due to lightning strikes this month has exceeded 50. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced financial aid of ₹400,000 per deceased and assured that all medical expenses for the injured will be covered by the government.