2 Belgian youths 'stable and conscious' after lightning strike in France

Two Belgian teenagers, aged 14 and 21, who were struck by lightning in the French Pyrenees, are reported to be stable and conscious. The incident occurred as they were hiking with a group towards the Bayssellance mountain hut.

While a thunderstorm had been forecast, its intensity was not predicted, according to the Tarbes prosecutor's office. One of the youths suffered cardiac arrest following the lightning strike, a source told AFP. Both victims are currently hospitalized. Doctors have stated that while their condition is stable and not life-threatening, they cannot yet determine the precise long-term consequences.

No investigation has been opened into the incident, as it is considered a natural and unintentional event with no criminal liability or involvement of other parties. The gendarmerie is using this occasion to urge increased vigilance. They emphasize the importance of always checking weather forecasts before setting out and advise against holding metal objects, avoiding high points like mountaintops, rocks, or trees, refraining from running, and crouching if a storm approaches. They also recommend trying to avoid direct contact with the ground by using non-conductive materials.