Bihar: Lightning kills three Sitamarhi labourers in Nawada
Patna, Aug 11
Three labourers from Sitamarhi district were killed after being struck by lightning while working in a paddy field in Rajauli, Nawada, on Tuesday.
The three deceased were relatives, including an uncle and his two nephews.
The incident took place in Dariyapur village under Amawan West Panchayat, where the labourers had been working during the paddy transplantation season. A group of 12 labourers from Sitamarhi had travelled to the Rajauli area in search of seasonal employment.
According to preliminary information, the labourers were working at different locations in the area. While some were engaged in paddy transplantation in nearby Raja Bigha village, four labourers were working in the field of local farmer Manoj Yadav in Dariyapur.
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered over the area and lightning struck the field amid heavy thunder. Three labourers were fatally struck and died at the spot.
The deceased have been identified as 60‑year‑old Mani Manjhi, 20‑year‑old Rajendra Manjhi, son of Rampreet Manjhi, and 18‑year‑old Indrajit Manjhi, son of Indal Manjhi. All three were residents of Madheshra village in Sitamarhi district and were related to one another.
Another labourer, Raghuvir Kumar, son of Ashok Manjhi and also a resident of Madheshra, was present at the site when the lightning struck and survived.
The incident triggered panic in the area, and villagers rushed to the spot after learning about the tragedy. Residents informed the police and block administration. Two ambulances subsequently reached the location. The bodies were taken for the necessary formalities and post‑mortem examination.
The deaths have left the families and fellow labourers devastated. The victims had travelled from Sitamarhi to Nawada in search of seasonal work to support their families. Their deaths have plunged both their native village and the area where the incident occurred into mourning.
The state government has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation to the family members of the deceased persons.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking! The uncle and his two nephews - the whole family must be shattered. This is the reality of our migrant workers who risk their lives for daily wages. The administration should have lightning warning systems in rural areas, especially during monsoon season when such incidents are common.
Very tragic incident. But I must point out that the compensation of Rs 4 lakh is too less. In cases of accidental deaths in other sectors, the compensation is much higher. The state government should increase this amount and also ensure it reaches the families quickly without any bureaucratic delays.
It's so unfortunate that these labourers had to travel from Sitamarhi to Nawada for work. Our rural economy needs more investment in agriculture and local industries. A 60-year-old man working in the fields in this heat - shows the desperation of our farming communities. My deepest condolences to the families. 💔
The government should also make it mandatory for farmers to provide basic safety measures to labourers working during monsoon. Simple things like knowing weather forecasts and having shelter nearby could save lives. Also, the district administration should be more proactive in such remote areas.
This is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our daily wage workers are. They left their homes in Sitamarhi, travelled over 200 km for seasonal work, and lost their lives. The authorities must ensure proper lightning safety awareness in rural areas and also provide accident insurance for such migrant workers under MGNREGA or similar schemes.
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