Father and Son Killed by Lightning While Harvesting Jute

A father and his son were killed after being struck by lightning while harvesting jute in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila on Wednesday afternoon. The tragic incident took place at Mahabbatpur Ganeshpara village under Jamalpur Union, leaving the local community in mourning.

The deceased were identified as Prabhu, 55, and his son Nimai, 23, residents of the same village. According to local sources, the two had gone to a field near their home in the morning to cut jute, a common seasonal agricultural activity in the region.

The weather changed suddenly around midday. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, followed by rainfall. At around 2:30pm, lightning struck the field where the father and son were working. They suffered severe injuries from the strike and died at the scene before they could be taken for medical assistance.

Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the incident. However, their efforts to save the victims proved unsuccessful. The deaths of two members of the same family within moments of each other caused deep grief among relatives, neighbours and villagers.

Jamalpur Union Ward No. 6 member Kabindra confirmed the incident, saying that the father and son were killed instantly when lightning struck them while they were working in the jute field. He added that the tragedy had cast a shadow of sorrow across the entire area.

The incident highlights the risks faced by farmers during the monsoon season, when sudden storms and lightning strikes are frequent in many parts of Bangladesh. Farmers often have to continue working in open fields despite unpredictable weather conditions, increasing their exposure to such natural hazards.

Authorities and disaster management officials frequently advise people to avoid open areas, trees and isolated structures during thunderstorms. Taking shelter in safe locations during lightning activity is considered one of the key precautions to reduce casualties.

Residents said Prabhu and Nimai were actively involved in agricultural work and played an important role in supporting their family. Their sudden deaths have left the family facing a severe emotional and economic loss.

The local community has expressed sympathy for the bereaved family and called for support to help them cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.