11 Killed, Several Injured as Lightning Strikes West Bengal’s Malda
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended her condolences to the grieving families.
In Brief:
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expresses grief and offers condolences
- Rs 2 lakh compensation announced for the families of the deceased
- Several injured individuals are in critical condition
On Thursday afternoon, lightning strikes claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals across various locations in Malda district, West Bengal, according to a government official. Several others sustained injuries from the strikes.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed her sorrow over the tragic incident. The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each family of the victims.
“So far, 11 people have been confirmed dead due to lightning strikes. Many injured individuals are receiving treatment at different hospitals, with some in critical condition,” the official told PTI.
In Malda’s Sahapur area, three individuals — Chandan Sahani (40), Raj Mriddha (16), and Manajit Mandal (21) — lost their lives. Additionally, Asit Saha (19) was struck by lightning while working in a mango orchard in Gajol and subsequently died.
Eight-year-old Rana Sheikh in Manickchak’s Mohammed Tola, and a couple, Nayan Roy (23) and Priyanka Singha (20) from Harishchandrapur, also perished in the lightning strikes.
Other victims include Atul Mandal (65) and Sheikh Sabrul (11) in Haddatola, and Sumitra Mandal (45) in Mirdadpur. In Englishbazar’s Milki, a man named Pankaj Mandal (23) was also killed.
“My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery,” Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.
“Our district administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need,” she assured.
