Lightning over the popular holiday island of Mallorca (symbol image)
Photo:
CATI CLADERA/ EPA-EFE/ REX/ Shutterstock
A holidaymaker from Germany and another from Switzerland were struck by lightning in Mallorca.
The two men were on the beach in Cala Mesquida, a popular bathing bay in the north-east of the island, when a storm suddenly blew up, the police told the German Press Agency.
Spanish media also reported on the accident.
The German was therefore 51 years old, the Swiss 65. Further information on the origin and identity of the victims is not yet known.
One of the men, who did not know each other, was struck first by lightning when he wanted to close his parasol in the face of the onset of rain.
He died instantly, according to police.
The lightning then shot to the other man about 15 meters away.
He was initially alive, but died shortly thereafter despite the efforts of rescue workers.
The wife of one of the vacationers had to watch the accident and was given psychological care.
Surprised by the storm
The storm front came up quite quickly.
The Spanish weather service Aemet initially predicted sunshine, a few clouds and at most a few raindrops.
In the early afternoon, thunderstorms and heavy rain were suddenly warned in the north-east of the island.
There could be more storms in the coming days.
At the beginning of the week, the heat also returns to the popular holiday island.
Temperatures of up to 37 degrees are expected.
atb/dpa
