Two Killed in Lightning Strike in Munshiganj

Two young men have been killed in separate lightning strikes during a sudden spell of severe weather in Tongibari upazila of Munshiganj, as pre-monsoon thunderstorms swept across the region on Thursday afternoon.

The incidents occurred around 2:30pm in the Fazushah and Dighirpar areas, as dark clouds and gusty winds associated with a nor’wester (Kalbaishakhi) rapidly developed, catching residents off guard.

The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Rijan Dhali, son of Monir Dhali of Fazushah Ariyal area under Ariyal Union, and 22-year-old Arafat Rakib Khan, son of Jasim Khan from Hayarpur area under Dighirpar Union.

Victims struck in separate locations

According to local accounts, Rijan Dhali was working near farmland close to his home when the storm intensified. While attempting to take cattle back from a nearby field, he was caught in heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Witnesses said he was struck by lightning and critically injured at the scene. He was rushed to Tongibari Upazila Health Complex, where doctors later declared him dead on arrival.

In a separate incident occurring almost simultaneously, Arafat Rakib Khan was returning home on foot after playing football with friends. As the storm worsened, he was struck by lightning while walking along a road in the Dighirpar area. He died instantly, according to local residents.

Medical confirmation

Dr Nure Alam Siddiqui, residential medical officer at Tongibari Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that both victims were brought to the facility in critical condition.

“Both individuals were already dead before they were brought to the hospital,” he stated, confirming that no signs of life were found upon arrival.

Police statement and handover of bodies

Tongibari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Monirul Haque Dulu confirmed the incidents and said that legal formalities were completed following initial examinations.

“Post-mortem and inquest procedures were carried out. The bodies have since been handed over to their respective families,” he said.

Incident overview

Sudden weather danger during pre-monsoon season

The tragic deaths occurred amid a period of unstable pre-monsoon weather, when thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning are common across Bangladesh. Such conditions often develop rapidly, leaving little time for people outdoors to take shelter.

Meteorologists have long warned that lightning remains one of the deadliest natural hazards in Bangladesh during the Kalbaishakhi season, particularly affecting rural communities where outdoor agricultural and recreational activities continue despite weather risks.

Community mourning

The deaths of two young residents in separate but simultaneous incidents have cast a shadow over the Tongibari area. Locals described both victims as active and well-known in their respective neighbourhoods, with the incidents leaving families and neighbours in deep shock.

Authorities have reiterated the importance of taking immediate shelter indoors during thunderstorms and avoiding open fields, water bodies, and isolated outdoor areas when lightning activity is observed.

As the region continues to experience volatile seasonal weather, officials have urged heightened awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.