3 including student killed by lightning strike in Gaibandha

Three people, including a school student, were killed by a lightning strike in Sundarganj upazila, Gaibandha. Two others were injured in the same incident. A cow also died.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, April 26, in the South Dhopadanga village of Dhopadanga union, confirmed local union chairman Md Mokleshur Rahman Mondol.

The deceased were identified as Fuad, 14, son of former union chairman Jahangir Alam Suja Chowdhury; Rafi, 12, son of Al Mojahid Chowdhury Choton Mia; and Mizanur, 20, son of Nobir Hossain. Rafi was a fifth-grade student at a local school.

According to local and police sources, the sky suddenly became overcast around 4:30 pm. The three victims, along with several others, were near their homes at the time. A lightning strike occurred, killing all three on the spot. A cow also died, and Shamim, 18, was seriously injured. He was admitted to a local hospital.

The bodies were sent to Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex for autopsy.

Earlier in the day, a farmer named Ali Akbar was injured by lightning while grazing cows in the Bulbulir Char area of Fazlpur union in Fulchhari upazila.

Sundarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahin Mohammad Amanullah confirmed that three people died at the scene and one injured person is receiving treatment. The incidents have cast a pall of mourning over the area.