bad weather in the north - Children in danger after thunderbolt - condition uncertain
Under a tree stands a portable grill with tongs, next to it a overturned children's bicycle and a soccer ball: A family outing in Delmenhorst ended in disaster on Sunday. Two children required revival, according to the police. Their health status was uncertain. Five other family members were injured.
Family surprised by storm
The family had been grilling in the park "An den Graften" on Sunday afternoon, said a police spokesperson. Suddenly, a storm approached and the family sought shelter. "There are several trees in that area, one tree was struck by lightning," the spokesperson said. He couldn't say if the family was directly underneath it.
Expert Thomas Raphael believes a so-called lightning strike occurred. The lightning struck the tree and then jumped to the people nearby. "Water conducts the lightning's electricity towards the ground. A tree is made of wood and relatively little water. Since we are made of water, the likelihood is high that a jump will occur," explained the electrical engineer. A lightning bolt can jump, even if one is three meters away from a struck tree.
Mother and daughter severely injured
After the emergency call in Delmenhorst, a mass casualty situation was declared, meaning a large number of injured people. All eight family members were injured, according to the police. A five-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were revived. Both were flown to hospitals with life-threatening injuries. The 38-year-old mother and her nine-year-old daughter were severely injured.
Luckier were the other family members, according to police reports. The 40-year-old father, a 12-year-old son, a two-year-old daughter, and a 31-year-old relative suffered light injuries. All were taken to hospitals for treatment. A crisis intervention team supported the relatives and the emergency responders. Two helicopters, six emergency medical service vehicles, five ambulances, and a large number of fire department vehicles were in use.
According to an evaluation by the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE), there are approximately 7 fatalities and 120 injuries nationwide each year due to lightning strikes. "The survivors often have serious damage that can affect them for the rest of their lives," Thomas Raphael explained. They struggle with nerve damage, personality changes, memory loss, and disruption of the cold-warm sensation.
Seek shelter in time during a storm
The first lightning bolt of a storm can cause damage, warned Raphael. Therefore, everyone should inform themselves about the weather conditions before any outdoor activity and keep an eye on the weather during the activity, the electrical engineer advised. "I have to think about finding shelter early on." Raphael observes that people have less respect for the power of nature and then, despite the danger, grill in a park.
Most lightning strikes in Germany occur, according to expert reports, in relation to trees. "People seek shelter under trees during rain and underestimate the danger during thunderstorms," observes Andreas Walter, meteorologist at the German Weather Service (DWD). Some would even pay attention to tree species, thinking of the old saying: "Yield to oaks, seek out beeches." However, there are no differences between tree species, Walter stated. "It's a myth."
- The children's bicycle and soccer ball were reminders of the enjoyable family outing before the disaster.
- The unfavorable weather, a sudden storm, forced the family to seek shelter.
- Despite seeking shelter under a tree, the family encountered a life-threatening situation due to a lightning strike.
- The mother and her daughter were among the two children who required revival after the courageous efforts of emergency responders.
- The emergency response included the use of two helicopters, six emergency medical service vehicles, and five ambulances.
- Expert Thomas Raphael explained that a lightning strike can jump from a tree to nearby individuals even if they are several meters away.
- The Power of nature was underscored by the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, which reported 7 fatalities and 120 injuries nationwide each year from lightning strikes.
- To avoid such tragedies, it is advised to inform oneself about weather conditions before any outdoor activity and seek shelter at the first signs of a storm.
