8 Killed, 1 Injured in Lightning Strike in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon

Raipur | Correspondent: In a tragic incident, eight people, including six children, lost their lives after being struck by lightning in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district on Monday. Another individual sustained severe injuries and is currently hospitalized.

According to Rajnandgaon District Collector Sanjay Aggrawal, all six children were Class 11 students who had just finished their exams and were heading home. As heavy rains began, they sought shelter under a shed near a tree, which was later struck by lightning.

Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary information indicated the death of eight individuals, including the schoolchildren. “One person was injured and has been hospitalized,” he added.

The state government has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased. Additionally, compensation for the injured will be determined according to government regulations, officials said.

This incident underscores the growing concern over lightning-related deaths in rural areas during the monsoon season, prompting authorities to issue warnings and advisories to prevent such tragedies.