The tragedy occurred as the boat carrying the wedding party travelled back to the bride’s house, police confirmed. As it reached the banks of the Padma river in northwestern Bangladesh, disaster struck, explained police spokesman Farid Hossain.

       He said: "We have information of 17 people who died and several others were admitted to hospital."

       In total, 14 people were hospitalised as a result of their injuries, Fire Service official Meherul Islam said, with the bridegroom among them.

       Lightning kills hundreds of people every year in Bangladesh, which declared lightning strikes a natural disaster in 2016 when more than 200 people died in the month of May alone, including 82 people on a single day.

       Most lightning deaths happen between March and July, the warmest months.

       Experts believe the rise in fatalities is connected to deforestation, which has led to the disappearance of many tall trees which previously attracted lightning before it reaches the ground.

       Increased air pollution and global warming have also been cited as factors in the increasing frequency of lightning strikes in the country.

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       On July 11, 11 people in the city of Jaipur, close to the 12th century Amer Fort, were also killed.

       The tower on which they were standing to take selfies was engulfed by a lightning storm were taking selfies on was hit by a ferocious lighting storm.

       Some leapt off the tower in terror, while 17 others were seriously injured.

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       In the UK, an average of two people are killed by lightning each year, with several more injured.

       In May, nine-year-old Jordan Banks died after he was struck during a training session with Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club in Lancashire.

       In a Facebook post, the club said: “We cannot begin to imagine the grief of the family.

       “Our thoughts, prayers, love and hugs go out to them all and to his teammates, friends and coaches who are devastated by the loss.”

       Advice carried on the website of the Met Office states: “There are many myths surrounding lightning - such as lightning never strikes the same place twice or it always strikes the tallest object.

       “Both are false, as lightning strikes the best conductor on the ground - whether it has been struck before or not.

       “Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year but it is during the summer months when thunderstorms in the UK are most likely to produce large hail, gusty winds and torrential downpours that can cause disruption to transport networks and damage property."

       What to do during a thunderstorm (from the Met Office):