A group of 12 labourers from Sitamarhi had travelled to the Rajauli area in search of seasonal employment.According to preliminary information, the labourers were working at different locations in the area. While some were engaged in paddy transplantation in nearby Raja Bigha village, four labourers were working in the field of local farmer Manoj Yadav in Dariyapur.Suddenly, dark clouds gathered over the area and lightning struck the field amid heavy thunder. Three labourers were fatally struck and died at the spot.The deceased have been identified as 60‑year‑old Mani Manjhi, 20‑year‑old Rajendra Manjhi, son of Rampreet Manjhi, and 18‑year‑old Indrajit Manjhi, son of Indal Manjhi. The bodies were taken for the necessary formalities and post‑mortem examination.The deaths have left the families and fellow labourers devastated. The victims had travelled from Sitamarhi to Nawada in search of seasonal work to support their families.