Lightning Strikes Czech Tourist on Croatian Beach — Woman in Critical Condition

A Czech tourist was struck by lightning on a beach in Baška on the Croatian island of Krk, and the woman is now in critical condition, according to Dr. Prodić.

He said the lightning strike hit the victim in the head, and doctors are so far unable to determine how serious the damage to her brain function is. "We're dealing with injuries caused by a lightning strike, which can have severe and dramatic consequences. Given the resuscitation efforts and the fact that she was struck in the head, we cannot yet assess her current brain function. We are trying to stabilise her," the doctor said.

According to the Standard portal, the incident occurred around 7:10 a.m. on Tuesday — the woman was standing on the beach holding an umbrella. A beach lifeguard provided first aid, after which the injured woman was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Rijeka.

According to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech diplomats are in contact with local police and the hospital. "Thanks to the swift response of the Croatian rescue services, she was quickly taken to the hospital in Rijeka. We wish our citizen strength and a speedy recovery," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry will not disclose further details, citing the protection of the victim's privacy and personal data.

Cases like this are rare. It is known that in the summer of 2005, lightning at sea in Croatia killed a young Czech tourist who had gone out on a boat despite the storm.

Croatia remains one of the most popular travel destinations for Czechs, which is why every summer the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs strengthens its presence there through consular offices in Split and Rijeka. According to the ministry, temporary consular posts are set up to provide swift assistance to Czech citizens in emergencies. Czech police officers also work in Croatia during the summer.

Read also: Extension of temporary protection in Czechia for Ukrainians

Source: novinky.cz