AT least eight people, including five school children, lost their lives in a tragic incident when lightning struck a dilapidated room in Joratarai village, Rajnandgaon district, on Monday afternoon. Another villager sustained critical burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the primary Health Centre, Somni. The incident occurred amidst heavy rainfall that the region had been receiving for the past several days. According to the local authorities, five children returning from Murhipar Railway Station had sought shelter in the dilapidated room when the storm intensified. Unfortunately, lightning struck while they were gathered, resulting in the tragic loss of life. Rajnandgaon Collector Sanjay Aggarwal, SP Mohit Garg, SDM Atul Vishwakarma, District Education Officer Pravas Baghel, and a medical team promptly arrived at the scene after they learned about the incident. The bodies of the victims were transported to Rajnandgaon Medical College, where eight deaths were confirmed.

 

The seriously injured person remains under medical care. The victims have been identified as Ravi Patel, son of Kumlesh Patel, Paras Sahu, son of Lunkaran Sahu, Shashikant Sahu, son of Chandu Sahu, Peeyush Sahu, son of Pheru Sahu, all resident of Mangata besides Nitish Dhankar, son of Dinesh Dhankar of Joratarai along with labourers Chumman Dewangan (35), son of Bodhanlal Dewangan, Anil Sahu (45), son of Peetambar Sahu and Pardeshi Vishwakarma. Ramesh Netam (45), son of Agrahij Netam has sustained critical burn injuries and is undergoing treatment. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed district administration officials to provide immediate financial assistance to the affected families. The government has approved a grant of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased under RBC 6-4. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating on social media, “The news of the death of 8 people due to lightning at Joratarai village of Rajnandgaon is heartbreaking.”