Four Youths Killed In A Lightning Strike In A Kerala Tourist Spot

Thiruvananthapuram: Four young people lost their lives and two people were injured when they were struck by lightning at Kuranganchola, a tourist spot near Mankada in Kerala’s Malappuram district, on Tuesday evening. The lightning strike occurred around 4pm during heavy summer showers and thunderstorms as the group of seven people were trekking towards the scenic hill, about 5 kilometers from Mankada.

The victims were identified as Rahees (20), Bahas (18), Siyad (18) and Fahadh (22), all from Vellilla Malayil. The injured, 20-year-old Roshan and 16-year-old Ishaath, are also from the same village.

According to police, the group was caught in heavy rain after being struck by lightning on the hill. The injured teenagers were taken to a nearby hospital, but four were pronounced dead. Mankada MLA Manjalamkuzhi Ali expressed shock over the tragedy, stating that the victims lived nearby and had gone to the popular viewing spot to enjoy the natural beauty. They were caught in an unexpected danger. District officials said they were working with other departments, including health, to deal with the situation caused by the disaster.