Angul: Four youth were critically injured after being struck by lightning in Pabala village under Nandapur panchayat in Angul district on Saturday afternoon.

The injured have been identified as Siddhanta Pradhan, Sukanta Pradhan, and Balaram Pradhan, all residents of Pabala village, along with Priyanshu Dehuri from Karadasing village.

According to reports, the incident occurred during a spell of rain and thunderstorm when the youth had taken shelter under a banyan tree and were reportedly using a mobile phone. They were suddenly struck by lightning, leaving them seriously injured.

Following the incident, locals rushed the injured to Bantala Community Health Centre in a 108 ambulance, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Further details are awaited.