Lightning claims 46 lives in Bihar

Patna: At least 46 people were killed and several others sustained injuries in lightning in different parts of Bihar late last evening.

While seven people were killed in Rohtas district, five each died in state capital Patna and Kaimur district.

The casualty is expected to rise as reports from the remote areas are yet to reach the state capital.

Disaster Management Principal Secretary Vyas Jee has asked the District Magistrates to send reports about the extent of damage in their districts due to lightning.

“We got the information yesterday that several people were killed due to lightening. The latest information says that 46 people are dead, eight are injured and two are critically injured. An eight feet pit has been created due to the lightning. I request all not to stay in open areas,” Vyas Jee told ANI.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of four lakh rupees to the kin of those killed in the incident.

Meanwhile, southwest monsoon has further advanced in Bihar covering almost the entire state including the capital.(ANI)