Thrissur/ Alappuzha (Kerala): Reports of casualties following lightning strikes during rain on Tuesday are emerging from several parts of Kerala.

A 23-year-old man has died in Chegannur, Alappuzha, after being struck by lightning while playing football.

The deceased has been identified as Asif Ashraf (23) of Mulakuzha Puthenpeedika. The incident occurred at the Puthenkavu church ground on Tuesday evening, when he was playing with friends.

He was immediately taken to Mavelikkara hospital, but his life could not be saved.

Asif was an expatriate on leave and was scheduled to return abroad on May 15.

Four children injured in thrissur shuttle play incident

In a separate incident in Venginissery, Thrissur, four children were injured after being struck by lightning while playing shuttle in a field around 5 pm.

The injured have been identified as Kareekkattil Sivakrishna (15), Akshara (12), daughter of Kariel Bijesh, Jishnu (11), son of Narayanakatt Sudhakaran, and Sachu (13), Jishnu’s brother, all residents of Venginissery.

Sivakrishna and Akshara sustained serious burn injuries. They were first taken to a private hospital in Koorkenchery and later shifted to another private hospital in Thrissur for further treatment.