Lightning: 3 die from electrocution in Malibagh
The power supply cable of the building was severed and came in contact with the main entry gate after a lightning strike
At least three people, including two minor girls, died from electrocution on Sunday afternoon when they tried to get out of a lightning-struck building in the capital's Malibagh area.
The deceased have been identified as the building's security guard Abul Hossain (65), residents Jhuma (14) and Sabina Pakhi (10), according to police officials.
"The accident took place after a lightning strike during heavy rain at Abul Hotel in Malibagh at about 2:15 pm," said Hatirjheel police station Sub-inspector Shariful Islam.
Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited' Moghbazar officer foreman Gulzar Hossain said the power supply cable of the building was severed and came in contact with the main entry gate after a lightning strike.
Residents of the building were in hurry to get out of the building after the lightning created an explosion in the transformer, according to Hossain.
"The three came into contact with the gate while trying to get out of the building," said the DPDC official.
After being informed of the incident, the local power office switched off power connections in the area and the three were rescued, according to police officials.
Abul Hossain and Jhuma were sent to Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital in Moghbazar, and Pakhi was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared them dead.
"Pakhi's body was kept in Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue while the bodies of the two others were returned to the building from the Community Medical Hospital," said Sub-Inspector Abdur Rouf of Hatirjheel police station.
DPDC officials said the power supply at the area resumed after cleaning the severed power cable.
