Four youths died after being struck by lightning at Mankada in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Tuesday evening, officials said. Three others were taken to hospital.
The deceased were identified as: Rahis (20 years old), Fahd (19 years old), Bahas (18 years old), and Siad (18 years old). The three injured are reported to be in stable condition.
The group of seven students had climbed to the top of Panthalur hill, popular among tourists, near Mankada on Tuesday evening when the lightning strikes occurred.
Although all of them were taken by local residents to nearby government and private hospitals, four of them succumbed to their injuries.
“The area is a popular destination. The group of seven students went there to relax. Unfortunately, in the lightning strikes, four of them died and three others are undergoing treatment. It is a sad incident,” said UP Fatima, a member of the panchayat block.
