From correspondents in Jharkhand, India, 11:00 PM IST

Nine people were killed and over a dozen were injured when a lightning struck a tree under which they were standing in Jharkhand Thursday, the police said.

The incident took place near Mavesi Ghat of Hiranpur village in Pakur district, some 500 km from here, during an animal fare. Hundreds of people had gathered in the fare.

Over two dozen villagers had taken shelter from heavy rainfall under a tree, when the lightning struck. Five people died on the spot and 15 others were injured, the police said. Four people died later in a hospital.

This year lightning strikes have claimed over 40 lives in the state. In 2007, the total number of deaths due to lightning was 68.

According to an official of the disaster management department of Jharkhand, Rs.100,000 will be paid be the families of those who have died due to lightning.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)