Sixteen-Year-Old Fatally Struck by Lightning During Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
A tragic incident unfolded during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai when a 16-year-old teenager lost his life after being struck by lightning. Hasan Yusuf Shaikh was hit by lightning at Juhu Chowpatty, where he had gone alone to witness the Ganpati immersion. The unfortunate turn of events led to him falling into the water.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahesh Mugutrao, stated that preliminary investigations revealed Shaikh had come alone to witness the Ganesh idol immersion at Juhu beach. He was not accompanied by any pandal or idol. Standing near the water, he was struck by lightning and subsequently fell into the water.
Following the incident, Shaikh’s body was discovered on the beach and immediately rushed to Cooper Hospital. Tragically, he was declared dead upon arrival.
Initially, it was presumed that the teenager had drowned, but further examination revealed that he had been struck by lightning. A lifeguard who had been present witnessed the entire event, and his statement has been recorded. Authorities have registered a case of accidental death.
This incident follows another lightning-related tragedy that took place in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district, where three women lost their lives. The victims were working in a paddy field in Kisna village when heavy rainfall prompted them to seek shelter under a tree. Unfortunately, lightning struck, leaving the women critically injured. They were rushed to a local community health center, where they were pronounced dead.
As monsoon season persists, it is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms. Seeking shelter in safe areas, away from open spaces, trees, and water bodies, is advised to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.
