Students rushed to hospital in critical condition after being struck by lightning at university campus

The terrifying moment five students were struck by lightning on a campus has been caught on camera.

The shocking happened on Thursday, April 10 at Teerthanker Mahaveer University in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. CCTV footage shows the undergraduates sheltering under a tree during a sudden downpour of rain at the campus in .

Suddenly, a lightning bolt pounded the area, causing the group of students to fall to collapse to the ground where some of them laid motionless for a few seconds. One stood up quickly and ran to ask for help, while the others remained . Eventually, schoolmates arrived and checked on the victims.

READ MORE:

All five students were taken to the hospital for medical assessment and treatment. Officials confirmed two of the youngsters remain in critical condition, while the other three are reported to be recovering. None of the students have been identified by authorities.

A statement from the university "TMU's Rapid Response saved lives. On April 10, 2025, a sudden lightning strike on campus affected five students at TMU. In a moment that could have turned tragic, the university administration acted with remarkable speed and care. Within minutes, medical teams rushed to the spot, and all students received immediate treatment at TMU Hospital.

"The SDM visited promptly, overseeing the situation and ensuring everything was under control. We’re relieved to share that, with timely medical attention, the students are now safe and recovering well."

Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year and can often pass quickly with minimal impacts, but knowing what to do in the event of a thunder storm is key to survival. A lightning storm is often accompanied by thunder, strong winds, and heavy rain. These storms occur when warm, moist air rises and cools, forming thunderclouds. Here's some measures you can take to stay safe during a lightning storm.

Before the thunderstorm

• Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
• Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.

Authorities reiterated that seeking refuge under a tree during a lightning storm is extremely dangerous, as a strike is more likely to hit tall, isolated objects.

During the thunderstorm

• Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
• If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
• Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
• Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
• If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
• If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately

After the thunderstorm

• Avoid downed power lines or broken cables
• If someone is struck by lightning, they often suffer severe burns. The strike also affects the heart, so check if they have a pulse.