CHITRAL: One man was killed and two others sustained injuries when lightning struck a remote pasture in Rumbur valley in Lower Chitral.

According to Rescue 1122, the victims were tending to their livestock when the incident occurred. The deceased was identified as Safeer Khan, a resident of Rumbur valley. The lightning bolt also killed several sheep and goats grazing in the vicinity.

The injured were identified as Haynes and Sher Dilah Khan, who belonged to Kalash community and hailed from Rumbur valley. Due to the rough terrain and remote location of the pasture, emergency responders faced severe logistical challenges.

Upon receiving the report, a joint rescue team consisting of Rescue 1122 medical technicians, local police, Levies personnel and community volunteers was immediately dispatched. The teams trekked on foot through difficult mountainous paths for nearly five hours to reach the incident site.

First responders provided essential medical stabilisation at the scene before carrying injured down the mountain. They were initially transported via a Rescue 1122 ambulance to the basic health unit (BHU) of Rumbur.

Following emergency triage and initial treatment at the BHU, both wounded were shifted to district headquarters hospital. The body of Safeer Khan was handed over to his heirs for burial.

Also, flash floods caused by torrential rains and cloudburst hit the valley of Sheshi Koh for the second time during the current week.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026