Lightning Strike During Football Match in West Bengal Claims One Life, Injures 22

Jhargram, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : A tragic incident occurred on Friday evening in Jhargram district, West Bengal, where a lightning strike during a football tournament led to the death of one person and injured 22 others. The event took place in Kumarbond village, coinciding with the celebration of Vishwakarma Puja.

Witnesses reported that players and spectators had gathered under a tarpaulin near a tree to take shelter from a sudden rainstorm when the lightning struck. The match was halted due to the severe weather conditions.

Local police officials from the Lalgarh police station quickly arrived at the scene. The injured were initially taken to Lalgarh Primary Health Center, where one individual was pronounced dead. Four others sustained serious injuries and were transferred to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. Following instructions from district authorities, the remaining 17 injured individuals were also sent to the same hospital, while one person continued to receive treatment at Lalgarh Rural Hospital.

The deceased has been identified as 19-year-old Dipen Murmu, a class 11 student from Kumarbond village. The football tournament featured 16 teams and was in its first day when this unfortunate event occurred.

Eyewitness Sagen Hansda described the moment of the lightning strike, stating that the area was plunged into darkness. Upon regaining consciousness, he saw many people lying on the ground and assisted in moving them to a safer location away from the flooded playing field.

Jhargram Superintendent of Police Manav Singla confirmed that the police acted swiftly to rescue the victims and transport them to hospitals for treatment. Local legislator Lakshmikant Sahu visited the hospital to meet with the injured, assuring that the state government has directed officials to ensure proper medical care and provide all possible assistance to affected families.