In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on Thursday afternoon, a 16-year-old boy, identified as Hasan Yusuf Shaikh, lost his life after being struck by lightning while he stood alone on Mumbai’s Juhu Chowpatty beach. The tragic incident occurred during the final day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival when heavy rains swept across the city.
A preliminary investigation conducted by authorities suggests that young Shaikh had ventured to the popular Juhu beach to witness the Ganpati immersion, a quintessential part of the festival’s celebrations. However, he had arrived without any companions or a Ganpati idol in tow, choosing to enjoy the spectacle by himself.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahesh Mugutrao shared insights into the incident, stating, “Prima facie it appears that he had come alone to see the Ganesh idol immersion at the chowpatty. There was no Ganpati with him, nor was he accompanying any pandal. While he stood near the water at the beach, he got struck by lightning and fell into the water.”
Eyewitnesses report that heavy rainfall was pouring down when the lightning struck, tragically claiming Shaikh’s life. His lifeless body was discovered in the sea and immediately transported to Cooper Hospital via ambulance. Regrettably, he was declared brought dead upon arrival at the civic-run hospital.
Initially, it was presumed that the teenager had succumbed to drowning. However, further investigation revealed the true cause of his demise: a lightning strike. A vigilant lifeguard stationed 300 meters away from the tragic scene had observed the incident as it unfolded.
The lifeguard’s statement has been officially recorded, and the authorities have registered a case of accidental death. Efforts to contact Shaikh’s parents have been successful, and they have been informed of this devastating incident.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of safety measures, especially during inclement weather conditions.
News Summary:
- A 16-year-old boy, Hasan Yusuf Shaikh, lost his life after being struck by lightning at Mumbai’s Juhu Chowpatty during Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
- Shaikh had ventured to the beach alone to witness the Ganpati immersion and was standing near the water when he was struck by lightning during heavy rainfall.
- Initially thought to have drowned, it was later discovered that the teenager had been struck by lightning, with an eyewitness account from a lifeguard confirming the incident.
- A case of accidental death has been registered, and authorities have informed Shaikh’s parents about the tragic incident.
