KHOTANG: At least five persons were killed and five others injured after lightning struck them in eastern Nepal yesterday night.

Two persons of Khotang and Bhojpur, along with a minor in Illam, lost their lives on the same night. The deceased have been identified as Kamala Rai, 37, of Kahule VDC and Prem Bishowakarma, 35, of Sanwakatahare VDC, Khotang.

According to inspector Yadav Gautam of Khotang District Police Office, Rai and Bishwokarma died on the spot. Nirmala Rai, 24, and Maniraj Tamang, 25, of Kahule VDC, along with Bishwokarma’s wife, were injured in the incident. They are receiving treatment in a local health facility.

Similarly, Dor Nath Gautam, 11, of Shadananda Municipality and Sher Bahadur Thapa, 16, of Thidingkha VDC in Bhojpur died on the spot, said police.

Dor Nath’s father Tanka Prasad and his brother Ramlal were injured and are receiving treatment at a local health facility. In Ilam, Karuna Rai, 12, of Danabari VDC died on the spot after she was struck by lightning in her house.