Two Belgian hikers struck by lightning in French Pyrenees; both stable

Two young Belgian hikers were struck by lightning in the French Pyrenees at an altitude of 2,700 meters, prompting an emergency response and highlighting safety precautions during thunderstorms. The incident occurred when a group of 15 people was trekking and the weather suddenly changed.

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A lightning strike is an electrical discharge between a thundercloud and the earth. The current seeks the fastest path to the ground, often via high conductors like a tree. Water also conducts well, so don't stand under a tree or go swimming.

One of the victims experienced numbness in his legs and a cardiac arrest following the lightning strike, while the other suffered burns. According to sources close to the investigation, both individuals are now in stable condition and conscious. The lightning strike occurred on a mountain trail where finding immediate shelter was difficult.

Scientific journalist Koen Wauters explained that the risk of being struck by lightning is very low, estimated at 1 in 1 to 3 million, but increases for those in high-altitude areas or working outdoors. He stressed the importance of seeking shelter, preferably indoors, or in a car, which acts as a Faraday cage. "A lightning strike is an electrical discharge between a thundercloud and the earth. The current seeks the fastest path to the ground, often via high conductors like a tree. Water also conducts well, so don't stand under a tree or go swimming," Wauters advised.

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Do not lie down flat, as this increases your contact surface. If you are in a group, sit about ten meters apart.

If caught in the open without shelter, Wauters recommends crouching low to the ground to minimize body surface area exposed to the electrical current. "Do not lie down flat, as this increases your contact surface. If you are in a group, sit about ten meters apart." He also noted that wearing a raincoat could offer some protection, as the electricity might travel along the water on the coat rather than directly through the body. The impact of a lightning strike depends on the path the electricity takes before reaching the body.

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If the lightning strikes you, there is a chance that the electricity will travel through the water on your raincoat to the ground, instead of directly through your body.