Kolkata, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least one person was killed and 22 others injured after lightning struck football players and spectators who had taken shelter beneath a tree during a rainstorm at a tournament in West Bengal’s Jhargram district, police said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Friday evening at Kumarbandh village under the Lalgarh police station area, where a two-day football tournament had been organised as part of Vishwakarma Puja celebrations.
According to local residents, the match was halted after sudden rain accompanied by lightning. Players and spectators gathered under a tarpaulin erected beneath a tree when a powerful lightning strike hit the shelter.
Lalgarh police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and helped rescue those affected. The injured were initially taken to the Lalgarh Primary Health Centre, where doctors declared one person dead.
The deceased was identified as 19-year-old Deepen Murmu, a Class 11 student and resident of Kumarbandh.
Four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. On the instructions of the district administration, the remaining 17 injured were subsequently taken to the same hospital. One other injured person is undergoing treatment at Lalgarh Rural Hospital.
The football tournament featured 16 teams and was scheduled to be held over two days. The lightning strike occurred on the opening day.
Eyewitness Sagen Hansda recalled that a powerful lightning strike suddenly plunged the area into darkness. After regaining consciousness, he found several people lying on the ground and helped move them from the waterlogged portion of the playground to a safer location.
Jhargram Superintendent of Police Manav Singla said police responded promptly to rescue the victims and facilitate their transfer to hospitals for treatment.
Local MLA Lakshmi Kanta Sau visited the hospital and met the injured. He said the state government had directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
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