PRAYAGRAJ, July 16 -- Two youths lost their lives and one sustained critical injuries in separate lightning strike incidents in the Prayagraj district during the past 24 hours.

The first incident occurred in Bodha Ka Pura village, under the Karchhana police station area, on Monday afternoon. According to local residents, Afsar Ali (22) and Ankit Kotarya (19), both from Gausai-Ka-Pura village, were climbing a tree to collect leaves for their goats when a sudden thunderstorm rolled in. A lightning bolt struck the tree directly, knocking both young men to the ground.

Locals immediately called for help, and the duo was rushed to the nearest Community Health Centre by ambulance. However, Ankit Kotarya succumbed to his injuries and was declar...