Four youngsters were killed and three injured after being struck by lightning while relaxing on a hill at Mankada on Tuesday evening. The group had gone to the hill around 5.30 p.m. to enjoy the evening breeze when it rained and the sudden lightning struck them.

The tragedy that left the State in shock unfolded at the Panthallur hill viewpoint at Kuranganchola, near Mankada.

The victims, all from Vellila near Mankada, were identified as Rahees, 20, Rahad, 19, Ziyad, 18, and Wahas, 18. Three others in the group, Roshan, 20, Ishhat, 19, and Salmanul Faris, 21, sustained injuries and were admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Manjeri.

Local residents said there was a small crowd enjoying the evening breeze and scenic view at the viewpoint. Many visitors had begun to leave the hill as the weather changed abruptly around 5 p.m., with rain, thunder and lightning sweeping across the area.

However, the seven-member group was caught in the sudden strike. Lightning struck the area with force, knocking several of them unconscious. Alarmed local residents ran to the spot and rushed the victims to the Medical College Hospital. However, four were declared dead on arrival.

Hospital sources said the condition of the three injured youngsters was stable.