Goemkarponn Desk
MIRAMAR: A tourist from Kerala’s Ernakulam lost his life last night on Miramar Beach after being struck by lightning, the first pre-monsoon fatality.
It was around 8:50 p.m. when heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning struck the beach, killing 35-year-old Akhil Vijayan, who was enjoying some downtime with his family and friends.
According to Panaji police, Vijayan suddenly passed out on the beach, not even showing any signs of life, while the group of seven or eight people, including children, hurried back towards their vehicle. This was consistent with a heart attack.
After a quick call, the 108 Ambulance was dispatched to take Vijayan to the Goa Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Bambolim. Doctors declared him dead upon arrival, so efforts to save his life were ineffective, according to the police.
Witnesses described the terrifying scene as the group fled the beach due to inclement weather. A lightning strike struck right over them, instantly injuring Vijayan and two other people, his wife and a friend.
His wife and friend regained consciousness, but Vijayan remained unconscious.
The cause of death was officially determined by the post-mortem report to be “Electrocution and blast injuries consistent with lightning strike.” In accordance with their religious traditions, the family received his corpse for final ceremonies.
