Slovakia: Hikers struck by lightning in High Tatras

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Photo: Martin Schutt/ dpa

A lightning strike killed a hiker and injured another in Slovakia's High Tatras.

As the mountain rescue service HZS announced, the two men from Poland were surprised by a storm on a popular hiking trail below Mount Krivan on Monday.

A 33-year-old was struck directly by lightning and died immediately, as an emergency doctor who was brought to the scene of the accident by helicopter stated.

His companion of the same age was thrown to the side by the blast of the lightning and suffered injuries to his face and spine.

According to the information, he was able to speak to the mountain rescuers and the doctor, but did not remember what happened.

It was also said that he could not feel or move his legs.

The helicopter flew him to a hospital in the city of Poprad.

The mountain rescuers said his condition was stable.

The mountain rescue service took the accident as an opportunity to warn all mountain hikers to always expect rapid weather changes in the high mountains in summer.

If there is a risk of thunderstorms, one should avoid such paths from which it is not possible to return quickly to a safe environment.

Mount Krivan is considered one of the national symbols of Slovakia and is featured on the Slovak eurocent coins.

wit/dpa