Two killed, five injured in lightning strikes in Jharsuguda district
Two persons were killed and five injured in separate lightning strikes in Jharsuguda district on Monday, including a teacher and a cyclist.
Two persons were killed and five others sustained injuries in separate lightning strike incidents reported from different parts of Odisha's Jharsuguda district on Monday, 03 Aug 2026, according to local authorities. The report was filed by Cassian Baliarsingh at 22:54 IST.
Local authorities confirmed that the incidents comprised two fatal lightning strikes and one injury event involving five devotees, with the fatalities involving a physical education teacher at Babuchipidihi School and a man riding a bicycle in Sarbahal, while the injuries affected five devotees en route to offer water at a temple on Sitaram Hill in Belpahar. The report, filed by Cassian Baliarsingh at 22:54 IST on 03 Aug 2026, noted that the teacher had taken shelter under a tree when lightning struck, the cyclist was struck while on his bike in Sarbahal, and the devotees were participating in a religious ritual when the lightning strike caused panic.
In the first incident, a physical education teacher (PET) was killed after being struck by lightning on the premises of Babuchipidihi School. Reports indicate the teacher had taken shelter under a tree when lightning struck the area. He suffered severe injuries and died on the spot, sending shockwaves among school staff and local residents.
In another tragic incident, a man lost his life after lightning struck him while he was riding his bicycle in the Sarbahal area of Jharsuguda district. Locals rushed to his aid immediately after the incident, but he succumbed to his injuries before any medical assistance could save him.
How many were injured at Sitaram Hill?
In a separate incident, five devotees were injured after lightning struck while they were on their way to offer water at a temple situated on Sitaram Hill in Belpahar. The devotees were participating in a religious ritual when the sudden lightning strike created panic among those present. Among the injured, three persons sustained critical injuries and were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for advanced treatment. The remaining two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after receiving primary medical care.
What is the current situation?
The back-to-back lightning incidents have triggered concern among residents, especially as thunderstorms continue to lash several parts of Odisha.
How many people died in lightning strikes in Jharsuguda on Monday?
Two persons lost their lives in separate lightning strikes in Jharsuguda district on Monday.
Where did the first lightning death occur?
The first death occurred at Babuchipidihi School, where a physical education teacher was struck by lightning while taking shelter under a tree.
Where did the second lightning fatality happen?
The second fatality happened in the Sarbahal area of Jharsuguda district, where a man was struck while riding his bicycle.
How many people were injured in the Sitaram Hill lightning incident?
Five devotees were injured when lightning struck while they were on their way to offer water at a temple on Sitaram Hill in Belpahar.
What injuries did the devotees suffer?
Three of the five injured devotees sustained critical injuries and were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), while two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary care.
Are thunderstorms continuing in Odisha?
Thunderstorms continue to lash several parts of Odisha, according to reports.
Rakesh Pradhan
District Correspondent, Jharsuguda
Rakesh Pradhan reports on Jharsuguda's industrial corridor, power and aluminium sector news, and civic administration for the Mirror.
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