NEW DELHI - At least 27 people have been killed and several others sustained burn injuries after being struck by lightning bolts at various places in the eastern Indian state of Bihar since Tuesday, a senior police official said Wednesday.

"Some 27 people were killed after being hit by lightning across Bihar in the past 24 hours. Those killed included women and children. Those injured have been admitted to various hospitals where the condition of some are said to be critical," he said on condition of anonymity.

Lightning bolts are common in India during the monsoon season and many people often succumb to the natural calamity.