Four students killed in lightning strike in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: In a tragic incident, four students were killed after being struck by lightning at Mankada in Malappuram. Two others sustained serious injuries in the incident. The incident took place this evening at the Panthalloor hill area.

The deceased have been identified as Rahees (20), son of Ali and Mubeena; Bahas (18), son of Saithalavi and late Sajitha; Siyad (18), son of Azeez and Sulaikha; and Fahad (22), son of Nisar and Naseema.The students had reportedly visited the Panthalloor hill viewpoint when the lightning strike occurred. A total of seven people who were struck by lightning were rushed to the Government Medical College in Manjeri for treatment. However, doctors were unable to save four of them.

Among those injured were Roshan, the twin brother of deceased Fahad; Salmanul Faris, brother of deceased Rahees; and Ishhath (16), son of Mushtaq of Malayil House. Salmanul Faris and Ishhath were admitted to the emergency department of Moulana Hospital for treatment.

According to reports, the victims collapsed immediately after the lightning strike, following which local people at the spot shifted them to the hospital. The Panthalloor viewpoint, located near the Vellila region of Mankada, is a popular destination frequently visited by locals and tourists.

Heavy rainfall had been reported across Malappuram district since the afternoon, and the region was experiencing unstable weather conditions at the time of the tragedy.