Three women were killed and one was left injured by a lightning strike when they were taking shelter under a tamarind tree during rain near M. Kallupatti on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) evening.
The deceased were identified as R. Ramuthai, 60, G. Thanikodi, 58, and P. Ganapathy, 62, of Seeninaickenpatti in Peraiyur taluk.
The police said that P. Vasiyamal, 55, who sustained burn injuries on her left hand and both her legs, was admitted to the government hospital in Usilampatti.
The police said that the women were working in a cotton field when it suddenly began raining. As the rain was accompanied by lightning and thunder, they sought refuge under a tamarind tree.
However, lightning suddenly struck the huge tree, and the women collapsed.
Locals rushed to the spot and took all of them to the GH, where the three women were declared brought dead.
The M. Kallupatti police have registered a case.