Dhenkanal, July 26 (UDN): A father and his son were killed after being struck by lightning while transplanting paddy saplings in a field under Kamakhyanagar police limits in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as Santosh Dehury (55) and his son Satyanarayan Dehury (24), residents of Balipada village.

According to police and local residents, the duo had gone to their agricultural field near Gordia village to transplant paddy seedlings. While they were working in the rain, a sudden lightning bolt struck the field, leaving both critically injured.

Farmers working in nearby fields rushed to their aid and immediately shifted them to the Kamakhyanagar Sub-Divisional Hospital. However, doctors declared both father and son dead on arrival.

On receiving information, Kamakhyanagar police reached the hospital, seized the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

The tragic incident has plunged Balipada village into mourning. Santosh Dehury, a farmer, was the family’s primary breadwinner, while his son actively assisted him in agricultural work. Their simultaneous deaths have left the bereaved family and villagers in deep shock.

The incident comes amid repeated warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about thunderstorms and lightning activity across several districts of Odisha. Authorities have urged farmers and the public to avoid working in open fields or taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to follow weather advisories to prevent such tragedies.