At least 11 people were killed in Rajasthan‘s Jaipur on Sunday after lightning struck a watch tower, near Amer Fort, where a group of people were said to be taking selfies  during a thunderstorm. 

According to media reports, dozens of people were present at the watchtower when the lightning struck. Many of them jumped off the tower in panic and sustained injuries.

Also Read: What can you do to prevent yourself from being struck by lightning?

“Nine bodies were found on the spot after the accident. The watchtower was situated on the opposite side of the Amer fort and most of those dead are youngsters,” Amer police station SHO Shivnarayan told The Indian Express.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the aggrieved families. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his concern about the incident and paid condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Many people have lost their lives in a lightning incident that took place in Rajasthan. I am saddened by the demise of those people and convey my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their members,” wrote Prime Minister’s office on Twitter.

Also Read: Watch: Lightning strikes 4 men in Gurugram’s sector 82, 1 dies

According to PTI, Thirteen animals, including 10 goats a cow, were also killed by lightning in Rajasthan. 

Here’s a video shared by a Rajasthan resident.

Several parts of Rajasthan recorded light to heavy showers on Sunday, with Jaipur receiving the maximum 63 mm rains. Gangrar in Bhilwara district recorded 41 mm rainfall, while Reodar in Sirohi and Jawaja in Ajmer recorded 35 mm and 34 mm, respectively, reported Rajasthan.

Uttar Pradesh has also reported several incidents of lighting-related accidents that led to the death of ten people, including two teenagers.

In yet another rain-related incident, three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed at a village in Uttarakhand after their house collapsed in a landslide caused due to heavy rains.

In South India, the IMD has issued an Orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala and a Yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.