Lightning kills 5 in MP

Datia, MP, July 2 (UNI) Five people, including an adolescent boy, were fatally struck by lightning at this district's Erai village today.

''The deceased were identified as village-resident Harimohan (15), Ashok (20), Preetpal Singh (30), Prabhuram and Santosh (both 35) who sheltered under a tree after encountering a downpour while returning from grazing animals,'' said District Collector P G Gillaure.

Ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each was being sanctioned and Rs 3,000 each were doled out immediately.

UNI XC-AC 2110