Two young men were killed and eight others injured after lightning struck a football match in Mawsnaphvir village of Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district on Tuesday afternoon.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 3 pm while a football tournament was underway in the village. The injured players were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The deceased were identified as 18-year-old Mikson Khasiar and 19-year-old Cleverson Khasiar, both residents of Lawrapha village. The two, who were brothers, were reportedly playing for the Lawrapha team against Marskuin in a tournament being held under the banner of the Independence Cup.
The lightning strike also left eight other people injured. They were taken to Civil Hospital in Nongstoin and St Joseph Hospital for medical treatment.
Police said further information regarding the condition of the injured was awaited.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area, with the deaths of the two young footballers shocking residents and fellow players.