Five killed by lightning in southern districts

On Tuesday evening, there were showers in several parts of Madurai and its surrounding districts. As lightning struck, four died in Thirumangalam taluk in Madurai district and one died in Sivaganga district.

In the first incident, Sankarraj (40), from Sengapadai near Thirumangalam was cutting wood when the lightning struck. He died on the spot. Sankarraj is survived by his wife and two children. 

Similarly, in another incident, Subash Chandrabose (8), of Poonamallee in Chennai, had gone to his grandparents house at Kallikudi near Thirumangalam to spend his summer vacation. While he was playing in the street there was a sudden streak of lightning. If affected an electricity cable which had been cut and unfortunately fell on Subash, killing him on the spot. Narmada (7) who was playing with him also suffered an electric shock. She has been admitted to the Thirumangalam GH. Her condition is said to be safe. 

In the third incident, Soorayi (45), a shepherd at Karisalkalampatti, went out to graze goats in a farm on Tuesday morning. Though the goats returned home, Soorayi did not. Her kin were alarmed and went out in search of her. 

They were shocked to find her dead in the farm land. They are of the view that she should have been struck by lightning. In the fourth incident, Periyakkal (30) from Nayinarpuram village near Thirumangalam, died when lightning struck her when she went to fetch water. 

Bodies of all the four were kept at the Thirumangalam GH and Madurai Collector, K Veera Raghav Rao, visited the hospital. He also visited Karisalkalampatti village and inspected the spot where the lightning strike had occurred. 

Meanwhile, in the fifth incident, Marudhu (48), a labourer, while working in a charcoal selling shop at Kanakkankudi village near Thirubuvanam in Sivaganga district, died of lightning strike.