Gurgaon: Four people who had taken shelter under a tree to shield themselves from rain were knocked out in a lightning strike on Friday afternoon in the freakiest of accidents that CCTV cameras captured vividly and the footage circulated widely on social media.
The bolt from the grey overcast sky landed on the tree in a park at Vatika Signature Villas around 4.30pm. Footage shows an explosion on the tree and the four people standing under it collapse to the ground immediately. Ramprasad, Shivdutt and Lali, who work as gardeners, and Anil Kumar, the horticulture supervisor at the housing society in Sector 82, sustained burn injuries. Ramprasad is on ventilator support. The three others are stable. All four were admitted to Medeor hospital by the society’s facility management team.
Shakti Singh Chauhan, DGM (operations), Vatika India Next said, “It’s an unfortunate incident and the moment we came to know about it, we rushed the QRT (quick response team) and transferred them to hospital. Anil has been working with us for more than 10 years and we pray for the recovery of Ramprasad.”
A met official advised people to avoid standing in open areas if thundershowers are predicted. “People need to avoid going out in the open or stand underneath trees when there is a warning of thunderstorm and lightning. They should always take shelter under solid roof,” the IMD official said.
According to Vatika police post in-charge Krishan Kumar, Ramprasad (38) hails from Kannauj in UP while Shivdutt (43) is from Etah and Lali (32) from Kanpur. Anil Kumar (32) is a resident of Sohna. Chauhan said, “Ramprasad had no pulse when we brought him to the hospital but the doctor has revived him. He is on ventilator. Shivdutt and Lali had sustained burn injuries beneath the neck and Anil suffered from initial pain in the hand and leg and was unable to stand.”
Lightning strikes four men standing under tree in a Gurgaon park, all fall to the ground
## Lightning Strikes Four Men Standing Under Tree in a Gurgaon Park, All Fall to the Ground
In a shocking incident that underscores the unpredictable nature of weather events, four men were struck by lightning while seeking shelter under a tree in a park located in Gurgaon. The incident, captured in a harrowing video, highlights the immense power and suddenness of lightning strikes. Fortunately, quick action by bystanders and emergency services ensured that all four men received immediate medical attention.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden change in weather, with dark clouds gathering and thunder rumbling ominously. The group, caught off guard by the sudden downpour, sought refuge beneath the nearest tree—a decision that would prove almost fatal. Lightning, which often targets the tallest object in the vicinity, struck the tree with a deafening crack, sending all four men tumbling to the ground in an instant.
As onlookers rushed forward to assist, the men lay momentarily stunned, their bodies jolted by the electrical discharge. Fortunately, none were fatally injured, though they were visibly shaken and suffering from various degrees of burns and shock. Bystanders quickly called for medical help, ensuring that the victims received prompt treatment for their injuries.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by thunderstorms, particularly in open areas where shelter options are limited. Experts advise avoiding trees, open fields, and bodies of water during lightning storms, and recommend seeking shelter in a building or car instead. The video of this dramatic event has since gone viral, prompting widespread discussion on lightning safety and emergency preparedness.
