MITHI/QUETTA: Mithi, Diplo and several other towns of Tharparkar district descended into grief after six Hindu pilgrims were killed and many others injured by lightning during heavy rains near Diplo late on Monday night.

The bolt struck a spot near Sattar village and triggered a fire while a convoy of pilgrims was passing by. They were on their way to Faqeer Parbarham shrine, located in Vehrijhap village near Diplo town, to attend an annual religious festival.

The incident sent a wave of shock across Tharparkar and caused immense grief to the Hindu community.

Touching scenes were witnessed when mourners in a large number attended the last rites of the dead in Mithi. The deceased pilgrims were identified as Vivek Lohana, Santosh, Govind, Lalu Kolhi, Velo Kolhi and Bhal Ji.

Bolt also claims lives of two children in Balochistan

Those who sustained burns in the incident and admitted to the Mithi hospital were identified as Chaman, Chando, Ramesh, Khenhro, Sambhoo, Nihal, Khushaal, Aatam and Bhagu. The Hindu community in Mithi and several other towns suspended their business, trade and commercial activities in mourning on Tuesday.

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, women wing president MPA Faryal Talpur and other party leaders have expressed their deep shock and grief over the tragic incident.

QUETTA: Two children were killed and three others injured when lightning struck Landi village in the Muslim Bagh area of Qila Saifullah district during heavy rain following a dust and hailstorm on Tuesday.

Levies officials said that the children were on their way back home when the bolt struck the village causing burns to them. The victims were rushed to the area’s rural health centre. The deceased children were identified as Azizullah and Mohammad Yousaf.

Heavy hailstones caused considerable damage to fruit orchards and standing wheat crop in the area.

Downpour coupled with dust and thunderstorm also pounded Ziarat, Zhob, Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbela, Dera

Bugti, Kohlu, Musakhail, Kachhi, Jhal Magsi, Awaran, Sherani and Duki areas.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2023