Kanker (Chhattisgarh), June 12 (IANS) In a tragic incident, a deputy sarpanch and two other villagers were killed, while five others sustained injuries after lightning struck a tree under which they had taken shelter during a sudden downpour in Kalgav village of Antagarh block in Kanker district on Friday.

The deceased have been identified as Manraj Patel, the deputy sarpanch of the village, along with Santosh Patel and Prakash Patel, all residents of Kalgav.

The injured include five women, one of whom has been referred to Kanker for advanced treatment, officials at the Antagarh Police Station said.

The remaining injured are receiving medical care at the Community Health Centre in Antagarh.

Around 50 to 60 labourers had gathered in Kalgav village for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

They were engaged in pond-deepening activities when the weather suddenly turned stormy, accompanied by heavy rain.

Seeking protection from the rain, the group took shelter under a nearby tree.

Moments later, a powerful lightning strike hit the tree, claiming three lives on the spot and injuring five others.

Villagers recounted the horrifying sequence of events, describing how the labourers were caught off guard by the abrupt change in weather.

The MGNREGA work was progressing as usual before the tragedy unfolded.

Of the eight people directly affected by the lightning strike, three lost their lives.

The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination as per standard procedure.

Local authorities are expected to review safety protocols at MGNREGA worksites to prevent such incidents in the future.

As the village mourns its dead, the focus remains on providing necessary support to the bereaved families and ensuring proper medical attention for the injured.

Thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 70 kmph are prevailing in various parts of central India as the monsoon approaches.

–IANS

sktr/pgh