Kolkata: At least 11 people were killed and several others injured in separate lightning strike incidents across West Bengal on Tuesday, with four deaths reported from a ferry ghat along the Murshidabad-Malda border.

The worst-hit incident occurred at the Dhulian–Shovapur ferry ghat, where four people died, and at least 15 others were injured after lightning struck a thatched shelter crowded with passengers seeking refuge from heavy rain and strong winds.

Police identified the deceased as Asadullah Sheikh (80), Ansar Sheikh (45) and Kochi Sheikh (25) of Pardeonapur village under Baishnabnagar police station in Malda district, and Ekramul Sheikh (80) of Sorapur.

According to police and local sources, a passenger boat carrying around 25 to 30 people had crossed the Bhagirathi River from Dhulian in Murshidabad to Shovapur in Malda.

After disembarking, passengers took shelter under a thatched structure at the ferry ghat as a storm intensified. A lightning strike hit the area, causing multiple casualties.

Several injured persons were admitted to Anupnagar Rural Hospital, while six critically injured victims were referred to Jangipur Sub-Divisional Hospital for advanced treatment.

In another incident, brothers Salek Miya (35) and Jahangir Miya (29) were killed after being struck by lightning while working in a jute field in Jainpur under Baishnabnagar police station.

Two more deaths were reported from Cooch Behar district. Menaka Barman (59) died while bringing cattle home in Sitalkuchi block, while Arman Hossain (20) was killed while working in an agricultural field under Sutkabari Gram Panchayat.

Purulia district reported two fatalities. The deceased were identified as Keshab Mahato (48) and Pratima Mahato (54), residents of villages under Jaipur police station.

Eight others were injured in separate lightning-related incidents across the district.

In North 24 Parganas' Kanchrapara, Vivekananda Sarkar (38) died after being struck by lightning while speaking on his mobile phone near an open field close to his residence.

Authorities are assessing the damage and monitoring the condition of the injured as stormy weather continues to affect several parts of the state.