RAUTAHAT: Nine persons — five in Sarlahi, three in Rautahat and one in Nawalparasi — were killed after they were struck by lightning this morning. At least 20 others were injured when bolts from the blue struck them. According to Sarlahi SP Sharad Oli, Marani Devi (35) of Madhuwangoth, Bhukhal Raya and Budhani Devi (35) of Chhatol, Rohit Mahato (3) of Aaurahi and Raghubir Raut (25) of Bhaktipur were killed in lightning strike. Injured Pathaluram (50) of Madhuwangoth and his wife are undergoing treatment in India. In Rautahat, Sanjib Paswan (12) of Gaur, Kabita Shah (23) and Dhiraj Shah (3) of Santapur Dostiya were killed after being hit by lightning, the police said. The lightning, coupled with torrential rain, injured Sumitra Devi and her grandson (3), along with nine others, in Matsari. They are undergoing treatment in a local health centre. Lightning also struck in Rautahat’s Jayanagar and Mudabal VDCs, injuring seven persons. In Nawalparasi’s Bharatipur, lightning strike killed Tilmaya Rana (10). Five others were injured in lightning strike.