Shepherd couple among 3 killed by lightning in Poonch

Srinagar: A young couple was among three persons killed in a lightning strike in a remote village in Poonch district of Jammu, officials said on Tuesday.

They said Monday night, at around 11:30 pm, lightning struck Gumsar Dhoke in Surankote area of the district, killing three persons including Mohammad Hassiq and his wife Zarina Akther of Lathong and Javied Ahmed of Lassana. All the three persons died on the spot, they said.  Reports suggest there are no whereabouts so far about the couple’s child and searches are underway. 

Incharge police post Behramgalla Mohammad Rafiq confirmed the deaths. “A police party reached at Dhoke and the bodies have been shifted,” he said.

They had gone for grazing animals in the remote area, officials added.  (GNS)