Patna: Three people were killed and three others injured after lightning struck a group of villagers in Araria district on Wednesday while they were returning from fields after going to bring their cattle home.According to relatives and officials, heavy rain began suddenly when the six villagers were in the fields. Lightning struck the group, seriously injuring three of them, while the other three suffered minor injuries.The seriously injured were taken to Araria Sadar Hospital by local residents and family members. Doctors who examined them declared all three dead, officials said.The deceased were identified as Shanichara Bhagat (50), Viren Bhagat (48) and Kanhaiya Bhagat (30), all residents of the same village.Giranand Bhagat, a relative of the victims, said several villagers had gone towards the fields during the rain to bring their cattle back home when lightning struck the group.The three people who suffered minor injuries are being treated at home, he said.The deaths triggered grief among the victims’ relatives at the hospital. The bodies are expected to be handed over to the families after completion of necessary procedures.District disaster management department official Mrityunjay Kumar said a team was sent to the spot after receiving information about the incident and was collecting details about the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike.He said the disaster management authorities would extend all possible assistance to the affected families. The administration would initiate the process for compensation and other eligible relief, he added.
