Kolkata: Two ground staff members at the Kolkata airport were severely injured when a lightning struck the ground near Service Bay 15, where they were working on Monday afternoon.
Employees of the AAI cargo logistics and allied services, Sanjay Thakur, a handyman, and Biswajit Roy, an utility agent, have been undergoing treatment at ESI Hospital. Thakur has sustained a fracture on his forehead, while Roy suffered several bouts of vomiting and complained of hearing loss.
Due to the lightning strike, both the employees had lost consciousness and were found lying on the ground. Airport officials provided them with medical aid. After initial treatment by doctors stationed at the airport, the two were taken to a private hospital off EM Bypass before they were shifted to ESI Hospital.
According to airport sources, as a precautionary measure following this incident, airport authorities have asked the AAICLAS supervisors to ensure that the workers remain indoors during lightning and thunderstorms.
On Monday, Kolkata received 5.1 mm of rainfall till 5.30 pm, while a squall with a wind speed of 72 km/hr struck Dum Dum.
Four flights were diverted and 12 were delayed due to strong winds during the thunderstorm.