In a first pre-monsoon fatality, a tourist from Ernakulam in Kerala lost his life on being struck by lightning on Miramar Beach last night.
The 35-year-old deceased identified as Akhil Vijayan was having leisure time on the beach along with his family and friends when heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning struck the beach around 8:50 pm.
Panaji police disclosed that as the group, consisting of around 7 to 8 persons including children, hurried back towards their vehicle, Vijayan collapsed suddenly on the beach, showing no signs of responsiveness, which indicated a heart attack.
“The 108 Ambulance was swiftly called and Vijayan was rushed to the Goa Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Bambolim. Efforts to save his life proved futile, as doctors stated he was dead on arrival,” the police said.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as the group retreated from the beach amidst bad weather conditions. A bolt of lightning struck their area directly, causing immediate impact on Vijayan and two others, including his wife and a friend.
While Vijayan remained unresponsive, his wife and friend regained consciousness.
The post-mortem report confirmed the cause of death as “Electrocution and blast injuries consistent with lightning strike.” The family was handed over his body for final rites as per their religious customs.
