Lightning strikes kill 11, injures two in Bengal's Malda district

The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

Kolkata: Lightning killed eleven people in Malda in West Bengal on Thursday, including some who were out in the orchards to collect mangos that fell from the trees due to stormy wind.

The district administration announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased.

“My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X.

Chandan Sahani (40), Raj Mriddha (16), and Manajit Mandal (21) were killed when they were collecting mangos at an orchard in Sahapur. Asit Saha (19) was also collecting mangos when the lightning struck and killed him in Gajol, official sources said.

So were Atul Mandal (65), Sheikh Sabrul (11), and Rana Sheikh (11) when they were killed by lightning at a mango orchard in Nihalutola.  

Malda is famous for several varieties of mangoes, like ‘Fajli’, ‘Himsagar’, and ‘Laxmanbhog’.

Sumitra Mondol (45) and Pankaj Mondol (23) were killed by lightning while working at the paddy fields in Ratua and Englishbazar areas of Malda. Nayan Ray (23) and Priyanka Singh (20) were working at a jute field when the lightning struck and killed them.

Two other people in Sahapur and Englishbazar were injured due to lightning. They were admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery,” the chief minister posted on X.

“Our district administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need.”