site.btaLightning Incident in the Balkan Mountains: Two Dead, One Rescued

A man and a child tragically succumbed to a lightning strike in the Balkan Mountains near Kupen peak, the Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) told BTA on Monday. Another 13-year-old boy, also struck, survived and was transported to the University Multidisciplinary Hospital Sv. Georgi in Plovdiv, the hospital confirmed.

A military helicopter from the 24th Krumovo Air Base participated in the rescue operation, successfully transporting the 13-year-old boy to Karlovo, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

"Undoubtedly, they were likely struck by lightning while gripping a metal rope designed to aid hikers on challenging terrain during a thunderstorm. Mountain rescuers remain on site as the weather conditions continue to fluctuate," on-duty MRS Officer Ivaylo Chovikov said.