The sky thundered, lightning flashed and in just one moment, three lives were lost in Dhapewada Budruk village. A mother, her young son and their neighbour were killed while working in a field. While the village mourns the deaths, the blow of fate Pihu (15) has received is cruel. Pihu, who lost her father 2 years ago, has been left devastated following the incident as her mother and brother were among the deceased. The incident shook Dhapewada Budruk village in Kalmeshwar tehsil on Wednesday when three persons lost their lives on the spot due to lightning during heavy rain. The deceased were identified as Vandana Prakash Patil (37), her son Om (18), and Nirmala Ramchandra Parate (60), all residents of Dhapewada.

 

According to villagers, the incident occurred in the afternoon when the trio was working in the field. Suddenly, lightning struck the farm and all the three died instantly. Following the deafening sound of the thunderbolt, farmers in the nearby fields rushed to the spot. Realising the seriousness of the situation, they immediately informed Police, Tehsildar, Talathi and Gram Panchayat Secretary. Soon after, Secretary Ishwar Dhurve, Kotwal Mangesh Parse, and Patwari Nitesh Mohitkar reached the spot and performed panchnama. The incident came under the natural calamity. A villager informed that the tragedy had fallen hardest on the Patil family.

 

Vandana Patil’s husband, Prakash Patil, had passed away two years ago. Since then, Vandana and her son Om were taking care of the family and working in the fields to earn a living. They were also ensuring Pihu continues education. However, in the incident, Vandana and Om both lost their lives leaving Pihu orphaned. The entire village is deeply saddened and is morning the tragedy while recalling the struggle of Patil family. Following the incident, villagers gathered at the Patil residence and consoled young Pihu who has been left devastated. The villagers demanded immediate financial assistance from the administration for the affected family. Kalmeshwar Police have registered a case of accidental death.