Lightning Strikes Claim Lives in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pune, 6th June 2024: Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have experienced rainfall over the past two days, accompanied by a tragic incident where a 19-year-old youth, Omkar Thakar, lost his life to lightning while returning home from work in Charholi Budruk, Pimpri Chinchwad.

This is not an isolated incident. Just three days prior, a woman lost her life to lightning while harvesting groundnuts in Rajgurunagar, Pune district. Mangal Arude, along with her two sisters-in-law, had ventured into the fields of Shende Wasti when this incident happened. As they were returning home amidst rainfall and strong winds, lightning fatally struck Mangal Arude.

In light of these incidents, it’s crucial to take precautions to prevent such tragedies:

1. Seek shelter immediately if lightning is observed while working in the field.
2. Avoid touching trees during a lightning storm.
3. If in a hilly area, find a safe shelter.
4. If unable to find shelter, crouch down with legs close together and hands covering ears.
5. Farmers should lie down or crouch with their heads between their knees.
6. Avoid using metal objects, such as umbrellas, during lightning storms.
7. Stay away from electric poles, as they attract lightning.
8. Refrain from using mobile phones during power outages.
9. Avoid unnecessary vehicle travel during thunderstorms.
10. Maintain a safe distance from others to minimize the risk of lightning-related accidents.