Bokaro: A major mishap took place after a flash of lightning struck Bandhdih Middle School in the Jainamod area of the district, which left 30 students injured. The injured were brought to the Referral hospital but later some of the students were referred to Bokaro General Hospital in which one student is said to be critical.
Bokaro's civil surgeon Dr Abhay Bhushan Prasad, who reached Referral hospital on information, said "All students were doing fine and there is nothing to worry about, albeit some students are a bit scared. All doctors have been called for duty and the are looking after the students."
"One girl student from class 4th is bit critical who we had referred to Bokaro", added the Civil Surgeon. Shashi Mahato, the headmaster of the school, said " It was raining sightly at around 12:30 pm. Meanwhile, students of Classes 1 & 2 were walking in the verandah, when the lightning struck leaving 30 students injured."
It was found that school was functioning in violation of state rules that mandate a lightning rod that guide flashes into the ground. District collector has written to education officers to ensure installation of these rods in all government and private buildings. When the school principal was asked about the violation, he clarified.
"In the year 2004, a lightning rod was installed in the school but since then 8 to 10 DDOs and headmaster changed. What happened to the installed lightning rod, I am unaware of that. However, there is a written complaint regarding a missing lightning rod. On June 1, 2021, I was given the charge of school, in which there is no mention of lightning rod."
