A sudden lightning strike in a Gurgaon public park recently left four men injured, prompting renewed public concern about thunderstorm safety. The four individuals had reportedly sought shelter under a tree during a brief afternoon rainstorm when a lightning bolt struck, sending them all to the ground.

Fortunately, thanks to a swift emergency response and hospital care, all four victims were reported to be in stable condition and are expected to fully recover. While the outcome could have been far worse, the incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers posed by lightning, particularly in outdoor settings.
What Happened in Gurgaon?

Eyewitnesses at the scene say the storm rolled in quickly. As rain began to fall, the four men—believed to be friends enjoying a walk—took cover under a large tree in the middle of the park. Moments later, a bright flash and deafening crack stunned the area as a bolt of lightning made direct contact with the tree or ground nearby

All four collapsed immediately, but bystanders quickly called emergency services. Local medical teams and police responded within minutes and transported the victims to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening, although the victims were said to be “stunned and shaken.”
Why Trees Are Not Safe Shelter During Storms

It’s a common misconception that standing under a tree during a storm offers safety. In fact, trees are among the most dangerous places to seek shelter in a thunderstorm.
Lightning naturally seeks the tallest object in the area to discharge its energy, making lone trees highly attractive targets. When lightning strikes a tree, its powerful electric current may travel:
Down the trunk, splitting bark or igniting wood
Through the ground in a radius around the base
Through the air, arcing to nearby people or objects
Anyone standing close to the impact zone may be harmed by the ground current, side flashes, or contact voltage—which are the primary causes of human injury during such incidents.