Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Aug 11: Three labourers from Sitamarhi district were killed after being struck by lightning while working in a paddy field in Rajauli, Nawada, on Tuesday.

The deceased were relatives, including an uncle and his two nephews.

The incident occurred in Dariyapur village under Amawan West Panchayat, where the labourers were working during the paddy transplantation season. A group of 12 labourers from Sitamarhi had travelled to the Rajauli area in search of seasonal employment.

According to preliminary information, the labourers were working at different locations. While some were engaged in paddy transplantation in nearby Raja Bigha village, four labourers were working in the field of local farmer Manoj Yadav in Dariyapur.

Suddenly, dark clouds gathered over the area and lightning struck the field amid heavy thunder. Three labourers were fatally struck and died on the spot.

The deceased have been identified as Mani Manjhi, 60; Rajendra Manjhi, 20, son of Rampreet Manjhi; and Indrajit Manjhi, 18, son of Indal Manjhi. All three were residents of Madheshra village in Sitamarhi district and were related to each other.

Another labourer, Raghuvir Kumar, son of Ashok Manjhi and also a resident of Madheshra, was present at the site when the lightning struck but survived.

The incident triggered panic in the area, with villagers rushing to the spot after learning about the tragedy. Residents informed the police and block administration, following which two ambulances reached the location.

The bodies were taken for necessary formalities and post-mortem examination.

The deaths have left the families and fellow labourers devastated. The victims had travelled from Sitamarhi to Nawada in search of seasonal work to support their families. Their deaths have plunged both their native village and the area where the incident occurred into mourning.

The state government has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased labourer.