6 Die in Lightning Strike at Pabna Wetland

At least six people were killed and three others seriously injured in a lightning strike at Sonapatil Beel in Malanchi Union of Pabna Sadar upazila on Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred at around 5:30pm when people from several nearby villages had gathered at the wetland to catch fish. A sudden storm accompanied by intense lightning struck the area, killing six people at the scene and severely burning several victims.

Police and local residents said three others were injured in the incident.

Kabir Ahmed Babu, chairman of Malanchi Union Parishad, confirmed the incident, saying local authorities rushed to the scene after receiving the news. The injured were rescued and taken to Pabna General Hospital for treatment.

He said the bodies had been severely burned, making it difficult to identify the victims immediately. Efforts were underway to confirm their identities.

Tarikul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station, said police had reached the scene and were working to assist rescue operations and establish the identities of the deceased. He added that further details would be provided later.

The tragedy cast a pall of grief over Malanchi Union and surrounding areas, as relatives mourned the victims.