A bolt from the sky proved deadly for many people in the state. Eighteen people across the state lost their lives when they were hit by lightening on Sunday. Most of the victims were farmers working in the fields when lightning struck. Most of them died on the spot.Some of the victims died while they were taking shelter under a tree to protect themselves from the heavy rain. The victims were identified as P. Varalakshmi, 45, her daughter, M. Adi Lakshmi, 27, P. Srinivasa Rao, 45, Y. Venkateswarulu, 38, A. Parvati, 24, K. Maha Lakshmi, 54, S. Rajyalakshmi, 55, Chitturi Vengalaiah, 56, Heeralal Sahani, 20, Seetharamaiah, a shepherd, K. Rammohana Rao, 58, G. Nageswara Rao, Mokkapati Pullaiah, Yerra Narsaiah, 60, Ch. Naveen, 11, B. Pulla Reddy, 60, V. Puvvadamma, 42 and P. Narsimham, 40.
Some people were also injured due to lightning. They were identified as Y. Nageswaramma, M. Nancharamma and K. Samrajyam. Constable P. Srihari, Kanaka Raju and T. Venkateswarulu were injured when sparks from a lightning bolt fell on them while they were taking shelter under a tree.
