Two labourers were killed and another seriously injured after a lightning strike in Bhimerpar village under Mahilara Union in Gournadi on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred while the three men were working at a betel leaf plantation in the area. According to local sources, rain began suddenly during the afternoon, prompting the workers to take shelter in a nearby shed. Moments later, lightning struck the location, leaving two men dead at the scene and another critically injured.
The deceased were identified as Alim Hawlader, 60, son of the late Abu Taleb Hawlader of Bhimerpar village, and Sukanta Bala, 38, son of Mukunda Bala from Khatialpara village in Uzirpur Upazila. The injured worker, Gopal Sarkar, 40, was later transferred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment after his condition deteriorated.
Residents of the area said the three men had been working as labourers at the betel leaf plantation when the weather changed abruptly. Following the onset of rain, they moved to a nearby shelter in an attempt to protect themselves. Shortly afterwards, a lightning strike hit the area, causing fatal injuries to two of the workers and seriously injuring the third.
Local people rushed the victims to Gournadi Upazila Hospital, where doctors on duty declared Alim Hawlader and Sukanta Bala dead upon arrival. Medical officials later decided to transfer Gopal Sarkar to Barishal for specialised care because of the severity of his injuries.
Dr Toukir Ahmed, Residential Medical Officer at Gournadi Upazila Hospital, said three people injured in the lightning strike had been brought to the hospital. He confirmed that two of them had died before reaching the facility, while the remaining patient required immediate referral for higher treatment.
Meanwhile, Gournadi Model Police Station confirmed that police officers visited the scene after receiving information about the incident. Officer-in-Charge Tarik Hasan Russell said necessary legal procedures were being carried out in connection with the deaths.
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