3 die in lightning strike, hailstorms across country

At least three people have been killed in lightning strike and hailstorm in three districts across Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Dhaka Tribune's Sirajganj correspondent Aminul Islam Rana said a 52-year-old woman was killed when a tree branch fell on her during a storm in Sirajganj Sadar upazila.

The deceased was identified as Sufia Khatun, a resident of Sartia area of Saidabad union under the upazila.

Witnesses said several women had been collecting dry leaves near Bangabandhu Bridge West Eco Park.

As the storm intensified, they tried to shelter in a safe place.

Sufia died on the spot when a tree branch fell on her head.

The deceased’s relatives were handed the body, said Bangabandhu Bridge West police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Syed Shahid Alam.

Dhaka Tribune's Natore correspondent Kamal Mridha said a farmer was killed in lightning strike in Singra upazila of Natore district in the afternoon.

The deceased was identified as Momin Akamd, 25, son of Ibrahim Akand at Shalmara village of Itali union in the upazila.

UNO Shushanto Kumar said Momin was working in a field in the village while it was raining. Suddenly, lightning struck him, leaving him dead on the spot.

In Brahmanbaria, a woman died in landslide during it was hailstorm in Durgapur union of Ashuganj upazila of the district, said Dhaka Tribune's correspondent Uzzal Chakrabarti.

The deceased was identified as Hasna Begum, 50, wife of Monir Mian under the upazila.

Ashuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer said Hasna Begum died in a landslide while she was staying in her house, during a hailstorm, around 5pm.

The upazila administration has decided to assist the family members of the victim, he added.