Victims were transplanting paddy seedlings when lightning struck amid afternoon thunderstorm

Sundargarh, Aug. 11 (UDN): Two women agricultural labourers were killed and more than 20 others injured after lightning struck a paddy field in Balishankara area of Sundargarh district on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Champa Tirkey and Sushila Tirkey, both residents of the Baradihi area in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Lightning Strikes Field During Paddy Work

The incident took place at Batipada under Talsara police station, where the two women were working alongside other labourers on paddy transplantation activities as part of the ongoing Kharif farming season.

According to reports, the area was witnessing rain and thunderstorms when a powerful lightning strike hit the agricultural field.

Champa and Sushila reportedly collapsed at the spot and died, while more than 20 other workers suffered injuries in the incident.

Injured Shifted to Hospital

Following the lightning strike, fellow workers and locals rushed to the spot and helped rescue the injured.

The injured labourers were subsequently taken to Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, coming at a time when farmers and agricultural workers across Odisha are actively engaged in Kharif cultivation.

Authorities are expected to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance to the families of the deceased and those injured in the lightning strike.