This is the terrifying moment five students were struck by lightning on a university campus in India.

CCTV footage shows the undergraduates sheltering under a tree during a sudden rainfall at Teerthanker Mahaveer University in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Suddenly, a powerful bolt pounded the area, causing them to collapse to the ground on Thursday, April 10.

One stood up quickly and ran to ask for help, while the others remained unconscious. Eventually, schoolmates arrived and checked on the victims. They were all taken to the hospital.

Officials confirmed two of the youngsters remain in critical condition, while the other three are reported to be recovering.

Authorities reiterated that seeking refuge under a tree during a lightning storm is extremely dangerous, as a strike is more likely to hit tall, isolated objects.

A lightning storm is a weather event characterized by lightning, often accompanied by thunder, strong winds, and heavy rain. These storms occur when warm, moist air rises and cools, forming thunderclouds.