Teenager killed by lightning strike on Germany's highest mountain
The 18-year-old had climbed the Zugspitze with two other men on Sunday when lightning struck repeatedly as they descended from the summit
Monday 22 July 2024 15:46, UK
A teenager has died after being struck by lightning near the summit of Germany's highest mountain.
The 18-year-old German had climbed the Zugspitze on Sunday afternoon with two other men when the tragedy happened.
They had taken the mountain railway up the peak and then continued to the summit, a climb of about 260ft from a terrace.
Lightning struck repeatedly as the men descended from the summit and the 18-year-old suffered a fatal electric shock, police said.
Recovery efforts were complicated by the storm, officers added.
The Zugspitze is 9,718ft above sea level. It sits on Germany's border with Austria.
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Storms hit several parts of Germany on Sunday.
A family of eight were hurt when lightning struck after they took shelter under a tree in a park in Delmenhorst, in the north of the country.
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A five-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.