12-year-old girl killed, three injured in lightning strike in Idukki

Idukki: A 12-year-old girl was killed and three others were injured, one of them critically, in a lightning strike at the Uravappara tourist destination near Thodupuzha here on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Nafeesathul Misriya (12), a native of Mudikkal in Perumbavoor. The injured include her father, V M Afsal (39) of Vadakkanethil, Perumbavoor, Gokul S Raj (26) of Mangattukavala in Thodupuzha, and another person.

The incident occurred around 6 pm. The victims were part of a group visiting the hilltop tourist spot. As sudden adverse weather conditions set in, they were struck by lightning while attempting to descend the hill. Gokul got injured while attempting to rescue the group. 

All the injured were rushed to a private hospital in Thodupuzha, where Misriya was declared brought dead. Afsal, who sustained serious injuries, is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit, while the condition of the others is reported to be stable.

The Thodupuzha region experienced heavy rain, strong winds, and intense lightning activity since the evening, officials said.