Bhubaneswar, May 1: A powerful Kalbaisakhi storm lashed the capital city on Friday evening, causing widespread damage and triggering panic in several areas.

A major incident was reported from Niladri Vihar’s Somanath Basti, where lightning struck a house, blowing off its roof. Three members of a family sustained severe burn injuries in the incident. Locals immediately rushed them to Capital Hospital. As their condition turned critical, they were later shifted to Cuttack for advanced treatment. Police from Chandrasekharpur Police Station have launched an investigation.

In a separate incident, a massive iron hoarding structure collapsed amid strong winds near Old Station Bazaar, in front of a Durga Puja mandap. Though no casualties were reported, a car and two motorcycles were badly damaged after being crushed under the debris. The hoarding, which was reportedly under construction, gave way due to heavy rain and gusty winds.

Fire services personnel were deployed at the site to manage the situation.