6 killed by lightning in Ranchi, Hazaribagh dists

Six persons were killed and three others injured after being struck by lightning at separate places in Hazaribagh and Ranchi districts, police said today.
Kaushalya Devi (40) and Pitwa Devi (50) died on the spot after being hit by a thunderbolt while they were collecting coriander leaves at Barkakhud village in Hazaribagh district in the afternoon today, sources said.
Also in Hazaribagh district, one Geeta Devi was killed when lightning struck her.
In Ranchi district, meanwhile, one Sukhram Munda (20) died near Bundu while three others suffered injuries when lightning struck them.
Karma Oraon (34) and another 65-year-old man, Hiralal Mahato, were killed at Lundri village and in the Kanka area, respectively, after being struck by lightning.

An 18-month-old child, whom Oraon was carrying slung on his back, miraculously escaped without any injuries, police added.
Both Ranchi and Hazaribagh districts have seen widespread rains in the last few days.