Chennai: Man attempts to take lightning's photo on phone, dies
What's the story
A 43-year-old man identified as HM Ramesh died, on Wednesday, after being struck by lightning as he attempted to click photographs of sparks in the sky on his mobile phone. Ramesh died in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. He is survived by wife Uma and 13-year-old daughter Zia. His body was sent for autopsy by Arambakkam police to Ponneri Government hospital.
Lightning strikes
After incident, Ramesh found lying on floor by friends
The incident happened at around 3:30 PM when Ramesh tried clicking the photograph on his smartphone. He collapsed after lightning struck him. His friends found him at the ground and there were injuries on his face and chest. For the last few days, Thiruvallur has been experiencing heavy rains. The police have categorically advised people against clicking lightning's photographs.
Information
These statistics will force you to not take lightning lightly
In June 2016, 120 people died in lightning strikes across India in just two days. Reportedly, 1,755 people die from lightning strikes every year, the highest toll among deaths caused by flood, landslide, heat strokes and cold waves.
A guide
During thunderstorms, here's how you can stay safe
To avoid being struck by lightning, it is advisable to stay indoors. If you can't find a place, get inside your car as the metal body disperses the lightning to the ground. During a thunderstorm, it is always best to stay away from naked wires. In case you think your hair is charged, go into a tuck position to make yourself the smallest target.