Fourteen-year-old girl dies after lightning strike in Delmenhorst
A family spent the Sunday a week ago having a barbecue in the park. Suddenly, a thunderstorm approached. They sought shelter under a tree. A lightning bolt struck, injuring eight people. A five-year-old and a 14-year-old were revived. However, the 14-year-old girl later died in the hospital.
More than a week after a lightning strike in Delmenhorst, the injured girl passed away in the hospital. The 14-year-old girl died from her injuries, according to the police, who referred to the clinic for the information. She had sought shelter with her family during the thunderstorm a week ago. Seven members of her family were also injured. There is no new information regarding the five-year-old boy who was critically injured, the police added.
The family was reportedly at a public barbecue area in a park and sought shelter from the approaching storm in the afternoon on July 21. They took cover under a tree, but a lightning bolt struck in close proximity.
Eight family members were injured, according to emergency services. The five-year-old and the 14-year-old were airlifted to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Initially, the 38-year-old mother and her nine-year-old daughter were reported to be seriously injured. The 40-year-old father, a twelve-year-old son, a two-year-old daughter, and a 31-year-old relative suffered light injuries and were also taken to hospitals for treatment.
Most Lightning Accidents Near Trees
During bad weather, people often seek shelter under trees. "People seek shelter under trees to escape the rain and underestimate the danger during thunderstorms," said Andreas Walter, a meteorologist at the German Meteorological Service (DWD). Some even pay attention to the tree species, thinking of the old saying: "You should yield to oaks, but seek refuge in beeches." However, there is no difference between tree species, Walter explained. "It's a myth."
According to expert Thomas Raphael, most lightning accidents in Germany occur in relation to trees. Based on a VDE analysis, there are approximately seven fatalities and 120 injuries nationwide each year due to lightning strikes.
"The survivors often suffer severe damage that affects them for the rest of their lives," said Raphael. They struggle with nervous damage, personality changes, memory loss, and disruption of the cold-warm sensation.
Even the first lightning bolt of a thunderstorm can cause damage, warned electrical engineer Raphael. Therefore, everyone should inform themselves about the weather conditions before engaging in outdoor activities and keep an eye on the weather during the activity. "I need to plan early where I can find shelter." Raphael observes that people increasingly disrespect the power of nature and then, despite the danger, grill in a park.
- Despite the warnings from meteorologists about seeking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, the family in Lower Saxony tried to find cover under a tree during the bad weather.
- The fire department and the police were involved in the aftermath of the lightning strike, as they had to coordinate the transportation of the injured to hospitals and provide information about the death cases.
- The International news agencies reported on the incident, highlighting the dangers of lightning and the need for caution during bad weather, especially in areas with high populations like Lower Saxony.
