Three people, including a grandfather and his grandson, have been killed by lightning strikes in Raninagar Upazila of Naogaon District, Bangladesh. The incidents occurred around midday on Thursday in separate locations within the upazila, as sudden rain and thunderstorms swept through the area.
The deceased have been identified as Akkas Fakir (58), son of the late Asad Fakir from Parail Fakirpara village; his grandson Tareq Fakir (24), son of Aminur; and Nayan Talukder (26), son of Hashem Talukder from Guata Atanitapara village. Akkas Fakir and Tareq Fakir were related as grandfather and grandson.
According to local residents and police sources, Akkas Fakir and Tareq Fakir went to work early in the morning in a paddy field known locally as Jatha Field in Parail village, where they were engaged in harvesting rice on another person’s land. At approximately 12:00 noon, rain began suddenly accompanied by lightning strikes. Both men were struck and died at the scene.
In a separate incident at the same time, Nayan Talukder left his home during the onset of rain to bring cattle from a field in Guata Atanitapara village. He did not return home afterwards. Later in the afternoon, local residents went to the field and discovered his body. Witness accounts stated that his hair and clothing showed signs consistent with burning, indicating death by lightning strike.
The Officer-in-Charge of Raninagar Police Station, Md. Zakaria Mondal, confirmed the deaths resulting from lightning strikes.
The three deaths occurred in two different villages within Raninagar Upazila, highlighting the simultaneous nature of the storm activity that affected the area around midday. All victims were engaged in rural agricultural and livestock-related activities at the time of the incidents.
Victims’ details
| Name | Age | Parentage | Village | Activity at time of incident | Relation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akkas Fakir | 58 | Son of late Asad Fakir | Parail Fakirpara | Harvesting paddy in field | Grandfather |
| Tareq Fakir | 24 | Son of Aminur | Parail Fakirpara | Harvesting paddy in field | Grandson |
| Nayan Talukder | 26 | Son of Hashem Talukder | Guata Atanitapara | Bringing cattle from field | — |
Local residents reported that the rain began abruptly around noon, followed immediately by lightning activity. The bodies of Akkas Fakir and Tareq Fakir were found at the same field where they had been working. Nayan Talukder’s body was discovered later in the day in a separate field area after he failed to return home.
Police confirmed the incidents and identified all three deaths as caused by lightning strikes occurring during the same weather event across different parts of Raninagar Upazila.