Seven tourists were struck by lightning near the Giewont summit on Friday afternoon, requiring a complex rescue operation by TOPR teams amidst severe weather conditions in the Tatra Mountains.
The Incident and Rescue Operation
Seven individuals were struck by lightning near the summit of Giewont on Friday. One person momentarily lost consciousness, sliding several meters down the rocks and sustaining head and limb injuries. The TOPR rescue operation began at 12:50 PM following reports that one victim was seriously injured.
Despite heavy rain and strong winds, rescuers reached the scene via helicopter and ground transport. The most severely injured victim was airlifted to a hospital in Zakopane, while the other four tourists were guided to Hala Kondratowa and subsequently transported to the hospital by vehicle.
Hazardous Weather in the Tatras
Rescuers emphasize that weather conditions in the Tatra Mountains remain treacherous. Violent storms with lightning and gusty winds hampered helicopter operations, even though only minor thunder was audible in the valley of Zakopane. The Giewont summit, marked by a large metal cross, is a known site for frequent lightning strikes.
This event follows the major tragedy in August 2019, when a lightning bolt struck the metal cross on Giewont, resulting in four deaths, including two children, and injuring 157 others.