Meghalaya Lightning Strike During Football Match Kills Two Brothers, Injures Eight

A football match in Meghalaya turned into a tragedy within moments on Tuesday when lightning struck the ground, killing two brothers and injuring eight others in West Khasi Hills district.

The incident happened around 3 pm at Makrein playground in Mawsnapwir village. The match was being played as part of the Independence Cup tournament, organised ahead of August 15. The game was in progress when heavy rain suddenly began. Moments later, lightning struck the football ground.

The strike killed Mickson Kshiar, 18, and Cleverson Kshiar, 19. The two were brothers and residents of Lawrapha village in West Khasi Hills. They were playing for the Lawrapha team against Marskuin when the lightning hit. Reports said the brothers had been staying in the village to attend school.

The scene on the ground changed suddenly as players were caught in the lightning strike. Eight people were injured and were taken to Civil Hospital in Nongstoiñ and St Joseph Hospital for treatment. Police said details about the condition of those injured were awaited.

There is some difference in local reports about those injured. While India Today NE reported that eight other players were hurt, Highland Post and The Sports Room said five others, including tournament officials, were injured. Police reports, however, put the total number of injured at eight.

For those at the match, what had been a normal football game quickly became a frightening emergency. The open ground, heavy rain and sudden lightning left two young brothers dead and several others needing hospital care.