9 killed in lightning strike while working in Sirajganj paddy field

At least nine people died and four others were injured in lightning strikes in Sirajganj's Ullapara upazila this afternoon (September 8, 2022).

The deceased, including two children, were all working in a field in Matikora village of Ponchokroshi union when the incident occurred, reports our Pabna correspondent quoting Md Nazrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Ullapara Police Station.

Abdul Kuddus, 60, Md Shahin Hossain, 50, Ritu Khatun, 13, Awlia, 5, Md Mostofa, 55, Md Mokka, 52, Md Mofazzal Hossain, 60, Md Monnaf, 50, are among the deceased.

The OC said the lightning strikes hit them at 5:00pm at Matikora village when they were collecting paddy saplings for cultivation, leaving 13 people critically injured.

The injured were rushed to Ullapara Upazila Health Complex where on-duty doctor declared nine people dead, the OC said, adding that four others are undergoing treatment at the health complex.

While talking with The Daily Star, Md Uzzal Hossain, upazila nirbahi officer of the upazila said the local administration will provide Tk 25,000 to family members of the deceased for their burial.

"We will inform the matter to the higher authority so that the victim families can get compensation," informed the UNO.