Two labourers were killed and another seriously injured after a sudden lightning strike in Bhimerpar village under Mahilara Union in Gournadi Upazila on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred while the three men were working at a betel leaf plantation in the area. According to local sources, rain began suddenly during the afternoon, prompting the workers to take shelter in a nearby shed. Moments later, lightning struck the location, leaving two men dead at the scene and another critically injured.
The deceased were identified as Alim Hawlader, 60, son of the late Abu Taleb Hawlader of Bhimerpar village, and Sukanta Bala, 38, son of Mukunda Bala from Khatiyalpara village in Uzirpur Upazila. The injured worker, Gopal Sarkar, 40, was first taken to the upazila hospital before being referred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment after his condition worsened.
Local residents said the three men had been working as labourers at the plantation when weather conditions changed abruptly. As rainfall intensified, they sought temporary shelter beside the plantation area. Shortly afterwards, a lightning strike hit the shelter where they had gathered.
Residents immediately rescued the victims and transported them to Gournadi upazila hospital. Doctors on duty declared Alim Hawlader and Sukanta Bala dead after they were brought to the medical facility.
Dr Toukir Ahmed, Residential Medical Officer of Gournadi Upazila Hospital, confirmed that three lightning strike victims had been admitted to the hospital. He said two of them had died before arriving at the facility, while the condition of the injured man deteriorated, requiring immediate transfer to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.
Police later visited the scene after receiving information about the incident. Officer-in-Charge Tariq Hasan Russell of Gournadi Model Police Station said law enforcement authorities had inspected the area and were taking the necessary legal measures regarding the incident.
Casualties and Injuries
| Name | Age | Address | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alim Hawlader | 60 | Bhimerpar village, Gournadi | Deceased |
| Sukanta Bala | 38 | Khatiyalpara village, Uzirpur | Deceased |
| Gopal Sarkar | 40 | Not specified | Seriously injured |
The incident took place amid unstable weather conditions in the region on Thursday afternoon. Local residents assisted in the rescue operation immediately after the lightning strike and ensured that the victims were taken to hospital without delay.
