BARPETA, Aug 16 - Seven persons were killed and 24 injured by a bolt of lightning at Milan Bazar under Baghbar revenue circle in Barpeta district yesterday afternoon.
As per reports available, a mechanised boat with around a hundred passengers were travelling from Chapra to Mandia through the Beki river to witness a boat race. As the boat reached Kandhapara near Milan Bazar at around 1.30 pm, a bolt of lightning struck and killed seven on board, of which three were children.
The deceased have been identified as Akibul Khan (8), Aminul Hoque (43), Kamal Mandal (30), Jiten Mandal (30), Bansuram Mandal (55), Maina Khatun (11), and Najrul Hoque (12). Five critically injured persons have been referred to the GMCH for better treatment, while 13 others were hospitalised at the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital here. Six persons were released after preliminary treatment.
State Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Dr Bhumidhar Barman visited the accident site and the hospital last night and interacted with the victims. He also met the kith and kin of those killed in the tragic disaster.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi granted an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, besides Rs 10,000 to each seriously injured person, and Rs 4,000 each to those with minor injuries.
Talking to this Correspondent, Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka informed that an amount of Rs 1 lakh, which is part of the total Rs 4 lakh, will be paid on August 17, while the remaining Rs 3 lakh will be disbursed shortly.
