KKN Gurugram Desk | In a tragic turn of events, three people lost their lives and four others sustained injuries after a lightning strike during a sudden thunderstorm in Bakhtiyarpur, Patna on Monday night. The victims, who had taken shelter under a tractor trailer during the storm, were struck by lightning while processing harvested wheat in the field.

Incident Overview: Sudden Storm, Fatal Shelter

The incident occurred in Bakhtiyarpur, a rural region in the Patna district. According to local sources, the victims were involved in post-harvest activities, commonly referred to as “gehu ki dauni” (wheat threshing), late in the evening. As the weather deteriorated rapidly due to a sudden dust storm and heavy rain, the group sought shelter under a tractor-trolley to protect themselves from the lashing wind.

However, what seemed like a temporary escape from the storm turned fatal when lightning struck directly over the tractor, killing three on the spot, including a minor boy. The remaining four individuals suffered burns and were rushed to a nearby healthcare facility.

Victim Details

All of the deceased and injured belong to the Raghopur area near the New Bypass of Patna. Families of the victims are in mourning, and local authorities have confirmed the identities but have chosen to withhold names until next of kin are informed.

Patna Weather Turns Violent

The lightning strike was a result of a sudden and severe change in weather conditions that swept across several districts of Bihar, including Patna, on Monday night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued alerts regarding unstable atmospheric conditions.

Residents across Patna reported strong winds, intense lightning, and intermittent rainfall between 9 PM and midnight. However, the ferocity and timing of the storm left many, especially those working in the fields, unprepared.

Pattern of Lightning Deaths in Bihar

Unfortunately, lightning fatalities are not new in Bihar. Every year, dozens of lives are lost in similar incidents, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. The rural population, often working in open fields, is especially vulnerable.

In 2023, more than 100 people across Bihar lost their lives to lightning strikes. According to state disaster management reports, lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the state.

Government Response and Compensation Measures

Local administration has reached the accident site and is coordinating relief measures. Initial reports suggest that the families of the deceased will be compensated under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). The standard compensation for lightning-related deaths in Bihar is ₹4 lakh per victim.

District Magistrate officials have assured that medical care is being provided to the injured, and an investigation is underway to determine if additional safety measures were neglected in the area.

Need for Lightning Awareness in Rural Bihar

Despite the recurring nature of these tragedies, awareness about lightning safety remains low, particularly in rural areas. Basic precautions like:

• Avoiding shelter under trees or metal structures

• Staying indoors during lightning activity

• Using mobile apps like Damini Lightning Alert

…are either unknown or underutilized.

Experts urge that awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements are urgently needed in lightning-prone states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

This tragic incident in Bakhtiyarpur is yet another reminder of how vulnerable human lives are against the unpredictable fury of nature. While weather forecasting has improved, preparedness and awareness at the grassroots level are still lacking.

As Bihar braces for more unstable weather ahead of the monsoon, local authorities must prioritize community-level disaster education and real-time weather alert systems.