Patna, April 14 — In a devastating weather-related incident, three members of a family were killed on Monday after being struck by lightning in Shadipur village, located in Bihar’s Arwal district.
The victims — 48-year-old Awadhesh Yadav, his wife Radhika Devi (45), and their daughter Rinku Kumari (18) — had gone to their farmland to collect harvested wheat when the weather suddenly turned violent. As heavy rain, hail, and thunder began lashing the area, the family sought refuge under a stack of straw near the field.
Tragically, the makeshift shelter turned into a death trap. A powerful bolt of lightning struck the straw pile, igniting it instantly. The three were engulfed in flames and died on the spot. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene, saying the family’s cries echoed through the village as helpless residents rushed to the site.
“It happened in seconds. They were trying to save their crop and ended up losing their lives. The entire village is in shock,” said a local villager, still shaken by the incident.
Emergency responders, including personnel from Vanshi police station and the fire department, arrived swiftly. The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the tragedy.
The incident has sent ripples of grief through the community and reignited calls for stronger public awareness regarding lightning safety. Local residents have also urged the government to introduce preventive measures during lightning-prone weather conditions.
This fatal event occurred as unseasonal hailstorms and heavy rainfall swept across large parts of Bihar, causing extensive damage to standing crops. Districts such as Nawada, Jamui, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Gaya, and Arwal have reported severe losses, particularly to wheat, moong, vegetables, and mango orchards.
Meteorological experts have issued fresh warnings, advising residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees, electric poles, or stacks of straw.
“This heartbreaking incident could have been avoided,” said Roshan Kumar, a senior meteorologist. “We urge farmers and villagers to follow safety protocols during adverse weather.”
With both human and agricultural losses mounting, affected families are now appealing to the state government for urgent relief, compensation, and long-term safety awareness campaigns. District administrations have begun assessing crop losses to determine support measures.
