Six killed in lightning strikes across Chapainawabganj

At least six people, including three women, were killed in separate lightning strike incidents across Chapainawabganj on Thursday afternoon (June 4) as sudden storms and heavy rain swept through the district.

The fatalities were reported from Chapainawabganj Sadar, Shibganj and Nachole upazilas, according to police and local administration officials.

The deceased were identified as Abdullah, 17, of Atahar area under Jhilim Union in Sadar upazila; Mahmuda Akter, wife of expatriate Abdul Rob, and Sadia Khatun of Chaknarendra and Ranibari-Bazarpara areas respectively in Shibganj upazila; Mesbaul of Shikarpur South Para under Mobarakpur Union; Sumiyara Begum of Lahabari village; and Hasan Ali (Lalu) of Goshaipur village in Nachole upazila.

According to local residents, three of the victims in Shibganj were working in mango orchards when lightning struck during a sudden thunderstorm. They were either collecting mangoes or tending to orchard work at the time of the incident.

Matiur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Shibganj Police Station, confirmed about the fatalities, saying, three people died after being struck by lightning while working in orchards.

In Sadar upazila, teenager Abdullah was fatally struck while bringing cattle home from a field as storm clouds gathered. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The cow he was leading also died in the strike, said Sadar Police Station OC Ekramul Hossain.

In Nachole, Sumiyara Begum was killed by lightning while returning home after cutting grass in a field, while Hasan Ali died while working in a mango orchard, according to Nachole Police Station OC Sukomal Chandra Debnath.

Authorities have urged residents to seek shelter immediately during thunderstorms and avoid remaining outdoors when lightning activity begins.