Man Killed, Grandson Critical After Lightning Strike During Kalabaisakhi Storm in Jajpur

Jajpur: A man was killed and his grandson sustained critical injuries after being struck by lightning during a Kalabaisakhi storm in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Thursday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Manoj Dhal (35), a resident of Mohammad Jamalpur area.

According to local sources, Manoj and his grandson were returning home after grazing cattle in nearby fields when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by lightning hit the area. Both were struck by lightning during the storm.

While Manoj died on the spot, his injured grandson was rescued by local villagers and rushed to the district headquarters hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

On receiving information, police reached the spot, recovered the body, and registered an unnatural death case. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the locality. Residents expressed concern over the increasing number of lightning-related deaths during the Kalabaisakhi season and urged the government to provide financial assistance to the bereaved family.