Lightning kills 3 farmers in Netrokona

Three farmers have been killed and another has been injured in lightning strikes that hit separate parts of Netrokona's Khaliajuri Upazila.

The incidents occurred between late afternoon and early evening in the Rasulpur, Krishnapur, and Hayatpur villages of Khaliajuri Upazila on Tuesday, according to Ujjal Hossain, the Upazila executive officer. The deceased have been identified as Nizam Uddin, 32, son of Sombor Mia from Rasulpur village; Kabir Mia, 45, son of Ramzan Ali from Krishnapur village; and Rakhal Sarker, 66, from Hayatpur village.

Ranu Mia, 45, from Rasulpur village, was seriously injured. All the victims were farmers by profession.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Uzzal Hossain confirmed the incident and said that the administration will provide financial assistance to families of the victims.

According to police and local sources, Nizam was gathering hay that had been left out to dry in front of his house, after seeing clouds in the sky. At that time, he was struck by lightning and died on the spot. Ranu Mia, who was nearby, was seriously injured and later admitted to a local health complex.

In another incident, Kabir was critically injured by a lightning strike in Chayar Haor of the same upazila. He was taken to Sylhet Medical College Hospital but died on the way. Meanwhile, at Hayatpur village, farmer Rakhal was also died on the spot being hit by lightning strike while he was bringing back his cattle.

>>Indrojit Sarker, AA