7 dead in separate lightning strikes in Dinajpur

Seven people including four teenagers died in separate lightning strikes in Dinajpur today.

Two others have been injured as well.

The deceased were identified as Nur Islam (24), Abdur Razzak (23), Abbas Ali (25), Sazzad Hossain (13), Apon Islam (14), Hasan Ali (12), and Mim (13), reports our correspondent quoting police and chairman.

Md Mozaffar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Dinajpur Kotwali Police station, said six boys took shelter from rain in a tin-shed room.

A powerful lightning struck the area around 3pm, leaving two boys dead on the spot and the others injured, the OC said.

Locals rescued them immediately and rushed them to M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital, but two more boys died on the way to the hospital, the OC added.

The other two boys -- Mominul and Atiq -- are still in critical condition, according to Dr Kazi Shamim Hossain, director of the hospital.

In Chirirbandar upazila of the district, several people were catching fish in a local pond, according to Moinuddin Shah, chairman of Abdulpur Union Parishad.

Around 4pm, lightning struck the area, leaving two people dead on the spot, he said.

Locals rescued one and transported him to the Chirirbandar Upazila Health Complex, said the chairman, adding that the injured was later declared dead by the doctors.