2 die in lightning strike in Odisha's Kendrapara district

Two persons were killed when lightning struck them at an orchard in Odisha's Kendrapara district today, police said.

The victims were participating in a community feast at the orchard in Tanara village when they were hit by lightning, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Himanshu Gahana and Sudhansu Gagana, and an unnatural death case has been registered in this connection.

The next kin of the deceased would be disbursed Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia from gratuitous relief fund, said officials.