Lightning strikes AU admn building

A NUMBER of students and employees of Allahabad University (AU) had a narrow escape when lightning struck the AU administrative building on Friday evening. Most students and employees were taking shelter in the building from the heavy showers going on at the time while staff members with offices located within the administrative building were busy with their daily work when the incident took place. The lightning led to the whole building shaking and panic-stricken people rushing out of the building.

Computers go phut, no casualty

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A NUMBER of students and employees of Allahabad University (AU) had a narrow escape when lightning struck the AU administrative building on Friday evening.

Most students and employees were taking shelter in the building from the heavy showers going on at the time while staff members with offices located within the administrative building were busy with their daily work when the incident took place.

The lightning led to the whole building shaking and panic-stricken people rushing out of the building. Many an office equipment like computers, fax machines and air-conditioners, especially of the Registrar's office, also sustained damage.

"We were busy with our work getting ready to call it a day when suddenly the loud sound of the lightning striking the building was heard and the whole building shook. Computers and fax machines which were on immediately went phut and many a bulbs too fused," recalled an AU employee attached with the Registrar's office.

"The AC started to emit smoke and many of us rushed out in panic. It was a hair raising experience," he added.

AU Registrar Firdous A Wani, who was in his office during the lightning, said that it was only due to the excellent construction of the building that helped it withstand the natures fury.

Sources say that the FO himself ran to the AU Vice-Chancellor's office and apprised the VC Prof Rajen Harshe of the incident.

On being contacted, AU Engineer Naveen Kumar said, "The building's earthing system functioned properly and the lightning has not caused any major damage.

We will nevertheless go through all buildings of the varsity to re-check the earthing there just to ensure that they too can sustain such an incident in future."