A devastating lightning strike late Saturday night killed four members of a family, including a couple and their two young daughters, in Bara police station limits of Prayagraj city. The victims were asleep on a charpoy inside a makeshift hut when the lightning struck, reducing the structure to ashes.
The deceased have been identified as Virendra Vanvasi (35), his wife Parvati Vanvasi (32), and their daughters Radha (3) and Karishma (2). All four were found burnt beyond recognition. The tragic scene left villagers and officials alike in shock.
According to eyewitnesses, heavy rains and thunder preceded the lightning strike that hit the hut around midnight. The impact was so intense that not only the hut but even the charpoys they were sleeping on were reduced to cinders.
"Everything happened in a flash—by the time neighbors rushed out, the family was already gone," said Rajendra Yadav, a local resident. “It is hard to believe an entire family perished in an instant.”
Virendra and Parvati had four daughters. Fortunately, their two elder daughters—Sona (8) and Anchal (6)—were at their grandfather’s house nearby at the time of the incident and escaped the tragedy.
Local authorities confirmed that the two surviving girls are safe but in deep shock. “We are arranging for counseling and extended support for them,” a police official said.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Bara, Sandeep Tiwari, visited the site on Saturday morning along with local police and revenue officials. He announced an immediate ex gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh and assured the family of further support, including a house under government housing schemes.
“To support the surviving daughters, a monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 will be provided until they reach adulthood,” SDM Tiwari said. “The administration stands with the family and will ensure they receive all benefits due under disaster relief provisions.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, with villagers calling for lightning protection systems in rural areas and better awareness about lightning safety.
Police have sent the charred bodies for post-mortem and are preparing a report to aid the family's claim for government compensation.
