In two separate incidents, lightning claimed three lives in Bokaro district while six other were injured and their conditions are said to be critical. The deceased were identified as Sadhu Pramanik (15), resident of Nayavan village under Chandankiyari, Nirmal Kumar Hembram (20), resident of Aarasadam under Jaridih police station and Anand (55), resident of Beldih while the injured are Kubli Devi resident of Aarasadam, Vishnu Mahato, Vishnu Pranalik, Shaktipad Rajak, Meghnath Rawani, and Santosh Rajak resident of Chandankiyari admitted to the hospital. The injured persons are getting treatment and their condition is said to be critical, hospital sources told.
According to the eyewitness lightning struck on the supply electricity wire near the Hari Mandir (Temple) when a huge gathering of people was adoring the God inside the temple. The electric wire (necked) snapped from the electric pole and touched the ground resulting into injuries to the people who were inside the temple as the floor was wet, said Rajesh an eyewitness.
Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar announced for compensation to the next of kin of the deceased within 24 hours. Amar Bawari MlA of Chandankiyari and Minister of State said the family of the deceased will get Rs4 lakhs as compentation while the injured will get a compensation amount from Rs4 thousand to Rs2 lakhs. “The BPl deceased will get additional Rs20,000,” minister added. Notably, every year lightning claims 50 to 60 lives in Jharkhand.