Vijayawada: Two youngsters died after being struck by lightning while playing cricket on Sunday evening in Pedda Obinenipalli village of Bestavaripet mandal, Prakasam district. Meanwhile, another person, a cattle herder, who happened to be nearby, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was rushed to a private hospital in Cumbum for treatment. His condition is said to be critical.
The deceased are identified as Goshipotala Akash (18), a degree first-year student, and Pulugujju Sunny (17), an intermediate second-year student. Both hailed from Pedda Obinenipalli village.
According to Bestavaripeta sub-inspector, the boys went out to play cricket with other children. However, tragedy struck when sudden rains forced the group to seek shelter under a nearby tree. Moments later, a powerful lightning bolt struck the tree, killing Akash and Sunny on the spot. Nagam Thirupathaiah, a cattle herder from Ummareddypalli village in Tharlupadu mandal, who was also near the tree, sustained severe injuries in the incident.
The sudden death of two promising youngsters cast a pall of gloom over the village. Parents of Akash and Sunny daily wagers.
Local police, upon receiving the information, visited the scene and launched an investigation. A case has been registered, and further inquiries are underway.
