1 killed, 24 injured as lightning strikes Gurupadgiri Hill in Bihar’s Gaya: Police

A lightning strike at Gurupadgiri Hill in Bihar's Gaya district on Saturday evening resulted in one death and 24 injuries, according to local police. The incident occurred during Raksha Bandhan, a traditional festival celebrated nationwide, when thousands of devotees had gathered at the historic hill, known for its significance in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The storm hit as more than 3,000 people had assembled on the hill, drawn by religious observances. As the weather turned severe with heavy rain, thunder and lightning, the situation quickly escalated. Lightning struck two distinct areas within the hill, first at the temple complex located at the summit and second near the Andheria-Dhandheria cave, where many had sought refuge under trees. Among the victims, Vikas Kumar, known locally as Niwas, aged 24, from Chhatisa village, lost his life following the strike on the temple premises. Three others sustained injuries at the same location. Meanwhile, 21 individuals suffered burns near the cave, with some sustaining injuries to their limbs and other body parts. Rescue operations began immediately, involving both local residents and law enforcement personnel. Rescuers faced considerable challenges due to the rainy conditions and the rugged, steep terrain of the hill. To reach the affected area, officials had to climb 1,680 steps, the only accessible route to the site, which sits approximately 2,500 feet above ground level. Block Development Officer Shashi Bhushan Sahu and Station House Officer Shivnanandan Kumar arrived at the scene promptly. They coordinated with local volunteers to form a human chain from the top of the hill to the base, facilitating the descent of the injured. The rescued individuals ranged in age from young children to older adults, highlighting the diverse group of pilgrims present at the time of the incident. All 24 injured were transported to the nearest Community Health Centre in Fatehpur. Doctors there assessed the condition of the patients and decided to transfer four critically injured individuals, Rupa Kumari, Suresh Manjhi, Sanjay Paswan, and Subham Kumar, to the Magadh Medical College and Hospital in Gaya for further treatment. The remaining injured received initial care at the health centre and were later discharged once their conditions stabilized. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of safety measures during such gatherings, especially given the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the region. The incident has raised concerns about the risks associated with large-scale religious assemblies in areas prone to sudden climatic changes. Emergency services and local administration are reviewing protocols to ensure better preparedness for similar situations in the future. The hill, revered for its historical and spiritual significance, continues to attract visitors throughout the year. However, this tragic event underscores the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures among both organizers and attendees of such festivals. Efforts are underway to assess the damage caused by the storm and to implement additional safeguards to prevent future incidents.