SriLanka, Sept. 21 -- A 15-year old boy has died yesterday after being struck by lightning while sleeping on the ground in a room in his house during heavy rains, Agalawatta Police said.

The victim has been identified as Hasitha Pradeep Kumara of Delpe in Agalawatta. He was a Grade 10 student of Agalawatta Mihindu Central College.

After being struck by lightning, he was rushed to Agalawatta Pimbura Base Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

It is scientifically said that when lightning hits nearby earth, high voltage spreads out across the ground and lying down maximizes the contact surface area of one's body with the soil, increasing the electrical current that can pass through the torso and heart.

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