11 Dead In Lightning Strike In Jaipur. They Were Taking Selfies

Eleven people have died and many feared injured in a lightning strike in front of the 12th century Amer Palace near Jaipur. The incident took place when people were taking selfies at a watch tower amid rain in the Rajasthan capital.

According to reports, dozens of people had been present at the watch tower when the lightning struck. A number of them sustained injuries as they jumped off the watch tower in panic. Twenty-seven people are reported to have been on the watch tower and the fort wall when the incident happened.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those killed.

Apart from the incident at Amer Palace, nine more casualties by lightning were reported from across the state on Sunday - One death each in Baran and Jhalawar, four deaths in Kota and three in Dholpur districts. Seven of those killed were children.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences over the deaths.

"Many people have lost their lives due to lightning in some areas of Rajasthan. Deeply saddened by the demise of people. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those killed: PM @narendramodi," Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a tweet.

Many places in Rajasthan received rainfall on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in the country's northern region on Monday morning.