Lightning – Three Dead After Lightning Strike During Rural Work in Kanker
Lightning – Three people lost their lives and five others were injured after a lightning strike hit a government-backed worksite in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Friday morning.
A tragic incident unfolded in Kalgaon village, located in the Antagarh development block, when a group of villagers engaged in pond restoration work was caught in sudden adverse weather conditions. According to local officials, nearly 70 residents were present at the site when lightning struck unexpectedly, causing multiple casualties and injuries.
Victims Identified by Local Authorities
Officials confirmed that the three deceased individuals have been identified as Manraj Patel, who served as the deputy sarpanch of the village, along with Santosh Patel and Prakash Patel. All three suffered severe injuries in the lightning strike and could not be saved.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing grief over the sudden loss of lives. Authorities have begun necessary procedures and are coordinating with affected families.
Several Women Undergoing Medical Treatment
Five women who sustained injuries in the incident were immediately transported to the Community Health Centre in Antagarh. Medical staff are currently providing treatment, and officials stated that the injured victims remain under observation.
Doctors attending to the patients reported that the women suffered burn-related injuries caused by the lightning strike. Their condition is being closely monitored to ensure proper recovery.
Work Was Being Conducted Under Government Programme
According to district officials, the villagers were participating in pond-deepening activities under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), a rural employment initiative previously known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme.
The programme supports livelihood generation and infrastructure development in rural areas by providing employment opportunities to local residents. The work in Kalgaon village was part of these ongoing efforts when the natural disaster occurred.
Sudden Weather Change Led to Tragedy
Officials said the lightning strike happened without warning while workers were actively engaged at the site. The sudden weather event resulted in burn injuries to eight people, three of whom later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess whether additional safety measures can be introduced for outdoor labour activities during periods of unstable weather. Local administration teams have also extended support to the affected families and injured workers.
The tragedy highlights the risks faced by rural workers who spend long hours outdoors and underscores the importance of weather awareness and precautionary measures during monsoon and pre-monsoon periods.