Tragic Roof Collapse Following Lightning Strike Claims Life of Teen in Meerut

MEERUT – A devastating incident occurred in Tikri village, located within the Jani Khurd region of Meerut, late Thursday night when a severe storm and subsequent lightning strike caused a residential roof to collapse, resulting in the death of a teenage student and leaving his older brother critically injured.

The Incident

The tragedy unfolded around 11:30 PM on Thursday during a period of heavy rainfall and high-intensity storms. According to reports, a powerful bolt of lightning struck the residence of a local laborer, Rishipal, where his two sons—19-year-old Rachit and 17-year-old Dipesh—were sleeping in a room on the first floor.

The impact of the lightning was so severe that it caused the roof of the room to shatter and collapse immediately upon the two brothers. The sudden, thunderous collapse alerted family members and neighbors, who rushed to the scene to begin rescue efforts.

Rescue and Aftermath

Local villagers worked frantically to clear the debris and extract the brothers from the rubble. Despite their swift response, 17-year-old Dipesh, a student of a local inter-college, was declared dead at the scene. His brother, Rachit, was pulled from the wreckage with severe injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Community Reaction and Authorities

The loss has left the Tikri village community in a state of deep shock and mourning. Following the incident, large numbers of villagers gathered at the site and have urged the local administration to provide financial compensation and support to the grieving family, who rely on daily wage labor for their livelihood.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse to assess the situation and initiate an investigation. Authorities are currently gathering details regarding the extent of the damage as the family struggles to cope with the sudden loss of a young life during the severe weather event.