Struck by Nature: A Postmortem Analysis of Lightning Fatalities in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand (India)

Background: Lightning occurs when electrical charges build up and create an imbalance between storm clouds and the ground or within the clouds, resulting in a powerful discharge. Among all the unnatural deaths, those caused by lightning are some of the most unpredictable. No studies have been conducted on lightning deaths in this region. Material and Methods: The study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted over three years at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand (India). Data collection included all cases of lightning-related fatalities brought for medico-legal autopsy. The collected data were organized and compiled for analysis. Results: Out of the 1050 cases, lightning deaths accounted for 25. Only 28% of the patients died on the spot. There was a male-to-female ratio of 2.12:1. The majority (28%) of the victims were between 31 and 40 years old. In 2020, lightning strikes caused the highest fatalities (31.03%). The majority of cases were recorded during the monsoon season in July. (40%). The maximum number of deaths occurred in the afternoon, between 12 PM and 6 PM (68%). Lightning strikes predominantly occurred (84%), where people sought shelter under trees or huts near agricultural lands. The majority were agricultural workers (farmers) (92 %). The most prevalent cause of fatality, accounting for 84%, was cardiopulmonary arrest after a lightning strike. Conclusion: Lightning deaths lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. Such deaths could potentially be prevented through improved healthcare, promotion of awareness programs, and government efforts to provide thunderstorm warnings.