Lightning Strike Hits Indigo Flight at Kolkata Airport; Two Staff Injured
A lightning strike at Kolkata Airport injured two ground staff and grounded an Indigo flight. Simultaneously, severe monsoon rains in North Bengal have triggered landslides, destroyed infrastructure, and caused fatalities, leading to a red alert across the region.
Highlights
- •Two ground staff members injured at Kolkata Airport after a lightning strike hit an Indigo flight.
- •The aircraft carrying 147 passengers experienced a power-off, leading to an immediate emergency deboarding.
- •Heavy monsoon rains in North Bengal caused landslides, bridge damage, and the suspension of toy train services.
- •A four-year-old child died in Bholanala, with the state government announcing Rs 4 lakh in compensation.
A frightening lightning strike incident occurred at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Friday morning, causing injuries to two ground staff members. The event unfolded as an Indigo A-320 aircraft, identified as VT-IPW, was preparing for an Agartala-bound flight. At the time of the incident, which occurred between 9:25 am and 9:35 am, the aircraft was positioned at Stand 56L, having already completed the boarding process for 147 passengers and six crew members.
The impact of the lightning strike resulted in a temporary power loss on the aircraft, leading authorities to immediately deboard all individuals on board as a precautionary safety measure. The two injured airport ground personnel were promptly transported to a nearby private medical facility. Fortunately, after receiving necessary medical assessments and treatment, both staff members were released. Meanwhile, the affected passengers were re-accommodated on a different flight, which successfully departed later that day at 12:50 pm.
Weather-Related Disruptions in North Bengal
This hazardous weather event took place amidst heavy monsoon rainfall and thunderstorms affecting the region. Beyond the airport incident, North Bengal has been significantly impacted by intense downpours since Thursday night. The severe weather has led to dangerous conditions across the hills, including a landslide that obstructed a section of National Highway 110. This infrastructure damage has forced a complete halt to the famous toy train services in the area.
In addition to transportation disruptions, the region is facing severe flooding threats as multiple rivers have surpassed their danger levels due to high currents. A bridge at Dudhia has been completely swept away by the river's force. Tragically, the heavy rains have also claimed a life; a four-year-old child died in Bholanala, Hasimara. In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the bereaved family. Local meteorological authorities have maintained a red alert for several districts in the region, cautioning residents to remain vigilant over the next 48 hours as the lightning strike risk and heavy rains continue to pose a threat to public safety.
