Lightning strikes claim 12 more lives in state

Patna: Twelve more people were killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in seven districts of Bihar in the past 24 hours, a communique issued from the chief minister’s office (CMO) said here on Monday.
With the fresh fatalities, altogether 36 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in various districts of the state in the last six days, including 24 in the last 48 hours.
The 12 fresh deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, while other 12 deaths were reported in the preceding 24 hours. CM Nitish Kumar on Monday expressed grief over the death of 12 people in seven districts and asked officials concerned to ensure immediate payment of ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next kin of deceased persons.