Koraput: A 16-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while reportedly using a mobile phone during a thunderstorm in Darengaba village under Nandapur block in Odisha’s Koraput district on Wednesday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Bhagirathi Sisha (16), son of Jagannath Sisha of Darengaba village.

According to the family, Bhagirathi was reportedly watching his mobile phone while it was connected to a charger and he was wearing earphones when the incident occurred. The area was experiencing heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at the time.

Following the incident, family members immediately contacted the 108 ambulance service. Bhagirathi was rushed to the Nandapur Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment.

However, after examining him, Dr Siddhartha Bhatra declared him dead.

The tragic incident spread across Darengaba village, leaving the local community in mourning. Several villagers gathered at the Nandapur CHC following the incident.

The incident has once again highlighted the need for caution during thunderstorms, particularly when using electrical devices connected to power sources.