Teacher struck by lightning during hike with 14 students in Romanian mountains

A harrowing incident occurred in Romania's Bucegi Mountains when a teacher was struck by lightning during a hike with 14 students. The group was caught in a powerful storm while descending a trail between Omu Peak and Ialomița Cave.

According to the Dâmbovița County Public Mountain Rescue Service (Salvamont), the dramatic event unfolded as the group navigated the challenging terrain. Near the Șugări Sheepfold, the teacher was struck by lightning, rendering her unconscious and unable to move. The students managed to reach the sheepfold and requested assistance.

A shepherd at the Șugări Sheepfold immediately alerted the Salvamont dispatch center, providing crucial details about the incident's location and the victim's condition. Mountain rescuers promptly arrived at the scene to administer first aid before evacuating the teacher.

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The team of the Dâmbovița County Public Mountain Rescue Service (Salvamont) urgently intervened at the scene of the incident. After providing first aid and stabilizing the victim, mountain rescuers transported the person on a stretcher, through difficult terrain, to the Peștera Salvamont Base.

Rescuers transported the teacher, who suffered first and second-degree burns covering approximately 30% of her body, to the Peștera Salvamont base. From there, emergency medical teams continued her care and transported her to a hospital. She was conscious upon arrival at the hospital. One student also required medical attention for a lower leg injury and was taken to the hospital.

After ensuring the teacher's evacuation, the Salvamont team returned to escort the 14 students safely to their awaiting bus, which then took them to their accommodation in Bușteni. Mountain rescue officials issued a warning about the significant risks posed by storms in mountainous areas, advising tourists to immediately leave exposed locations during electrical discharges.

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In case of electrical discharges, tourists must leave exposed areas, avoid ridges, peaks, and isolated metal objects, and request specialized support when the situation requires it.