3 killed in lightning strike in Cumilla

Three people were killed in a lightning strike this afternoon at Bhabanipur Ghat in Cumilla's Homna upazila.

Homna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam confirmed the incident, saying it occurred around 2:45pm in the Ghagutia union area.

Local sources said several men and women were waiting for the Ujanchar-Ghagutia ferry at the terminal when dark clouds gathered and heavy rain began. Moments later, a sudden lightning struck the area, killing two women and one man on the spot.

The dead were identified as Jakia Begum, 35, and Momtaz Begum, 30, of Nala Dakshin village, and an unidentified man in his forties from Khode Daudpur village. Several others suffered injuries in the strike.

Homna Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khemalika Chakma said, "The local administration is providing assistance to the victims' families for burial."

Homna Police Sub-inspector Jibon Biswas added, "We rushed to the spot after receiving the report. The bodies have been recovered and are being handed over to their families."