1 Dead,16 Injured As Lightning Strikes Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial

The deceased, Subir Pal, had gone to visit the iconic monument when lightning struck him.

Victoria Memorial ground, Kolkata.

(Photo: The Quint)

One person was killed and 16 others, including four Bangladeshi nationals, were injured on Friday, 16 August, after lightning struck them amid heavy rain inside the sprawling premises of the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, a state disaster management official said.

The deceased has been identified as Subir Pal (34), who was on a visit to the iconic monument accompanied by his wife and daughter when the mishap occured, he said.

Pal was declared brought dead when he was taken to the nearby state-run SSKM Hospital.

"His wife, two-year-old daughter and 14 others are being treated at the hospital," the official said.

Of the 14 persons, one has sustained serious injuries, while the rest are being given preliminary treatment, he said.

The Met Department on Friday forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms with lightning in south Bengal till Sunday.

The weatherman said Kolkata is also likely to be lashed by torrential rain over the next two days.

The metropolis received 99 mm rainfall between 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm on Friday, the Met department said.