Koraput, August 13: A 16-year-old boy died after reportedly being struck by lightning while using a mobile phone during a thunderstorm in Darengba village under Kosandi Gram Panchayat of Nandapur block in Koraput district on Wednesday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Bhagirathi Sisa, son of Jagannath Sisa, a resident of Darengba village.

According to family members, Bhagirathi was using his mobile phone while it was connected to a charger and he was wearing earphones when the lightning struck. The area was experiencing strong winds, thunder and lightning at the time.

Following the incident, his family immediately called the 108 ambulance service. He was rushed to the Nandapur Community Health Centre, where doctors examined him and declared him dead.

Dr Siddharth Bhatra reportedly confirmed his death after examination.

The news of Bhagirathi’s death spread quickly through the village, with several residents gathering at the Nandapur Community Health Centre. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Darengba village.