Lightning claims seven lives in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Aug 6: At least seven workers were killed and several injured when lightning struck them late last night in Dwarabatipur village under Athgarh block in Cuttack district.

Police said the victims were working as labourers in a steel plant and belonged to Handapa village of Sambalpur district.

While six of them died on the spot, one succumbed to injury at a local hospital. Eight other injured had been admitted to a hospital.

The district administration had announced an ex gratia of Rs 5000 to each of the kin of the deceased.

UNI