Lightning Strike Triggers Transformer Fire at Jamtara School, 16 Students Injured

Jamtara, Jharkhand, September 20, 2025 A frightening incident unfolded today at Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ School in Jamtara district, Jharkhand, when a lightning strike hit a transformer on the school premises, causing a sudden fire and injuring 16 students. The incident occurred in the early hours of the afternoon during a severe thunderstorm that swept across the region, leading to chaos and panic among students, teachers, and staff. According to eyewitnesses, the sky had darkened, and heavy rainfall was accompanied by sharp lightning strikes. At around 2:15 PM, one of the lightning bolts struck the school’s transformer located near the main campus building. Sparks flew instantly, and the transformer caught fire, producing thick black smoke. Students immediately began shouting, and teachers rushed to evacuate the girls from nearby classrooms to a safer area outside the school. Local residents and school staff quickly alerted authorities, and fire brigades were dispatched to the site within minutes. Firefighters faced a challenging situation as heavy rain and high winds complicated firefighting efforts. Nevertheless, the blaze was brought under control after about an hour, preventing further damage to school infrastructure. Several classrooms sustained minor smoke and water damage, but the swift evacuation prevented any casualties beyond the initial injuries. The 16 students who sustained injuries, mainly from minor burns, smoke inhalation, and falls during the rush to exit the building, were immediately transported to Jamtara District Hospital. Hospital sources confirmed that all the injured are in stable condition and receiving proper treatment. Some students were treated for minor burns on their arms and legs, while others were administered oxygen for respiratory distress caused by inhaling smoke. Medical teams reassured parents that no critical injuries were reported. The state health minister, Dr. Suman Ranjan, visited the school in the evening to personally oversee the medical response and assess the emergency situation. In a statement to the press, the minister emphasized that the government is taking the incident very seriously and promised a thorough investigation. “The safety of children is of utmost priority. We will ensure that all safety protocols are reviewed and strengthened, and preventive measures are put in place to avoid such accidents in the future,” he said. Officials from the Jharkhand State Disaster Management Authority (JSDMA) and local administration have launched a comprehensive inquiry to examine how the incident occurred, the condition of the school’s electrical systems, and whether additional lightning protection measures could have prevented the fire. Recommendations are expected soon regarding lightning arresters, fire safety equipment, emergency drills, and staff training. Parents, teachers, and community members expressed a mix of relief and concern. While grateful that all injured students are now safe, many questioned why preventive measures, such as insulated transformers or lightning conductors, were not adequately maintained. School authorities have assured the community that they will implement all safety improvements recommended by the investigation. The Jamtara incident underscores the vulnerabilities of schools in regions prone to sudden thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Authorities in Jharkhand have been urged to review safety measures in educational institutions statewide, particularly focusing on electrical infrastructure, fire safety, and emergency preparedness. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the affected students and ensuring that schools across the district adopt stricter safety standards. For the students of Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ School, the terrifying experience today serves as a reminder of both the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness