A lightning strike seriously injured a teacher at Totapada High Primary School in Ashtgarh block, Cuttack district. Fortunately, students and other teachers escaped unharmed during the incident.
While thunder rumbled and rain poured, classes continued. As first, second, and third-grade students took their exams in one classroom, lightning struck, causing the ceiling fan to fall and damaging the electrical board and wires. The classroom wall cracked, but all 35 students remained safe. However, cook Shantilata Mohanty, who prepared lunch in the kitchen, sustained injuries and now faces critical care at Asthgarh Hospital.
Assistant teacher Rameshchandra Swayum recounted the incident, explaining that he switched off the fan and lights when the first lightning strike occurred and instructed the students to sit away from the wall. Despite his efforts, another lightning strike hit, releasing smoke from the burnt electrical board. He quickly evacuated the trembling students from the classroom.
Swayum noted that lightning damaged the fans, lights, and service wires across the school. After he reported the incident, ABEO sent the CRCC to assess the situation. The school then sent the children home to ensure their safety.