A tragic incident unfolded in Sillod taluka of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Saturday afternoon when a lightning strike claimed the lives of four farmers and left one seriously injured. Additionally, four animals were also killed in the incident, triggering panic and grief across the region.
The most heartbreaking episode occurred in Sarola Shivara, where two brothers — Rohit Raju Kakade (21) and Yash Raju Kakade (14) — lost their lives. The brothers had gone to their field in group number 294 for sowing activities. As rain started pouring, they took shelter under a tree. Unfortunately, a sudden lightning strike hit the area, killing both siblings on the spot. The incident has cast a shadow of sorrow over the entire village.
In addition to the human loss, farmers in the region also suffered heavy financial setbacks due to the death of livestock. In group number 139 of Anvi Shivara, a buffalo owned by Narayan Sandu Bambarde was killed by lightning. In group number 295 of Mandana village, three calves belonging to Dnyaneshwar Manikrao Lokhande also perished. For these farmers, who rely heavily on their animals for livelihood, the losses are devastating.
Though the arrival of monsoon rains initially brought hope to the farming community, the sudden storm and lightning have turned that hope into despair. The Ajanta Mandal received 70 mm of rain, creating favorable conditions for sowing. However, the accompanying gusty winds and lightning caused damage to standing crops and washed away topsoil in many areas, compounding the losses.
Local authorities have been informed, and assistance measures are expected to be announced soon.