German man struck by lightning in Zeeland dies from injuries; Wife hospitalized
A 60-year-old German tourist has died from his injuries after being struck by lightning on the beach in Renesse, Zeeland. The incident occurred during a severe thunderstorm that swept through the Dutch coastal region, PZC reported.
The strike occurred on Saturday afternoon at approximately 5:25 p.m. The man was struck on the beach near Strandpaviljoen De Zwaluw, located along the Hoogenboomlaan in the popular resort town of Renesse.
The 60-year-old man was walking with his partner (a woman) and their dog. Reports indicate they were long-time, recurring guests at a local campsite in Renesse. Passersby discovered the couple collapsed on the sand shortly after the lightning hit and immediately called emergency services.
The man suffered a direct strike to the chest. First responders performed CPR right on the beach to revive him. A trauma helicopter landed on the shoreline to airlift him to the hospital in critical condition. The female partner was lightly grazed by the discharge. She was taken to the hospital by a regular ambulance for observation and has since been discharged in good condition. Their dog was completely unharmed.
Following days in intensive medical care, the police officially confirmed this morning that the man had succumbed to his severe injuries.
The storm caused widespread disruption across the region. Earlier that same afternoon, a lightning strike at the nearby Concert at Sea festival on the Brouwersdam injured a crew member, who had to be hospitalized for observation, Wereld Regio reported.
Lightning also struck a local hotel, Hotel de Herberg, and a church tower in the town center of Renesse, causing brief chaotic conditions.
