His friend was tossed aside |
Lightning strikes (33) killed!
Bad luck in Slovakia!
A lightning strike kills one hiker and injures another in the High Tatras.
As the mountain rescue service HZS reported on Monday evening, two Polish nationals were surprised by the storm on a popular hiking trail below Mount Krivan.
One of the two men was struck by lightning and died instantly, according to an emergency physician who was brought to the scene by helicopter.
Rescue teams were dispatched by helicopter
A friend of the same age was struck by lightning and thrown sideways, sustaining injuries to his face and spine. Although he was able to talk to the mountain rescuers and the doctor, he did not remember what happened.
He could neither move nor feel his legs. A helicopter took him to the city hospital in Poprad. Mountain rescuers said his condition is stable.
The Mountain Rescue Service has taken this accident as an opportunity to warn all mountaineers who always expect rapid weather changes in high mountains during summer.
If there is a threat of thunderstorms, one should avoid such routes where one cannot quickly return to a safe environment. The Krivan mountain is considered one of Slovakia’s national symbols and is featured on Slovak Eurocent coins.
What should I do if there is a thunderstorm outside?
In general, avoid free-standing wooden poles or trees. For example, underground, caves or depressions at the base of a ledge provide good protection.
Lightning often strikes a very high place (tall building, treetop, mountain), but it can also strike a flat field of grass. Don’t lie down! This gives your body more surface area. Protective posture: With feet together, bend over, wrap arms around your legs, and tuck your head in.
You should keep a distance of at least one, preferably three meters from all objects. At least ten meters from trees. Otherwise, lightning strikes or falling branches can cause injury.
At the lake or swimming pool: get out of the water quickly!
By the way: The saying “one must look for peaches” is not true – lightning does not differentiate between tree species. (rgz, dpa)
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