On Sunday, an 18-year-old man died after climbing near the summit of Germany’s highest peak and being struck by lightning.
The man was part of a group of three that ascended the Zugspitze mountain in a cable car in the late afternoon before climbing to its peak.
German Storms
Unfortunately for the 18-year-old German resident, the country was battered by storms that day.
In the northern part of Germany in Delmenhorst, a family of eight was injured after a tree they were sheltering under was struck by lightning. A five-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were admitted to hospitals suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Climb to the Summit
The group of three young men after taking a mountain railway car began an ascent of 260 feet toward the summit by climbing.
This group managed to reach the summit, but according to police, repeated lightning strikes hit them as they descended and the victim suffered a fatal electric shock.
Walking Away From the Terrace
According to reports, the group did not have any alpine equipment and traveled from the safety of the terrace, which put them in danger of being hit by lightning.
A mountain rescue helicopter had to wait until the storm passed to be dispatched and the 18-year-old victim was dead by the time an emergency doctor reached him. Police are reportedly investigating the incident.
Zugspitze Mountain
The Zugspitze mountain has the nickname “the top of Germany” because of it being the country’s highest peak and point.
Its tallest point stands at 9,717 feet and is home to some of the last glaciers that remain in Germany.
Golden Summit Cross
At the summit of the Zugspitze stands a tourist attraction known as the golden summit cross.
In 1851, the cross was placed there by a priest and marks the highest point in the country. However, American soldiers in the 1940’s used it as target practice and what remains there today is a modern replacement.
Top of Zugspitze
The Zugspitze, being the highest point in Germany, has become a place that seeks to attract visitors. There is a huge restaurant near the top of the mountain, and it has also become a ski resort.
It boasts Germany’s highest ski area and has over 12 miles of ski runs.
Online Reaction
Commenters reacting to the story online expressed a mix of emotions towards the tragic end of the German resident’s life.
“Terrible, but what a Metal way to die,” said oneReddit user.
Bad Move
Other people reacting to the story criticized the man for his poor decision-making.
“No pity for stupidity! How can one walk from the protective terrace of the mountain station to the Zugspitze summit, 80 metres away, during a raging thunderstorm on the Zugspitze (2962 metres)? How stupid people always are – unbelievable!” said Ralf Lorenz in an X post translated from German.
Exposed Mountaintop
One commenter described their own experience with the Zugspitze and remarked how dangerous and exposed the top of the mountain is.
“I learned to ski there as a kid… Poor dude. That mountain top is super exposed!” said one Reddit user.
High Altitude Weather
Other users blamed the uncertain changes in weather that can happen high in the air.
“That’ll happen. weather shifts rapidly at higher altitudes.,” said a Reddit user. “I can believe it. The weather up there on Zugspitze was wild when I went up,” said another Reddit user.
Lightning Risk
The chance of being struck by lightning is exceedingly rare, even by those who engage in mountain hiking.
A 2022 analysis of mountain sports emergencies in the Swiss Alps found that only 0.07% of the 11,125 emergencies seen during the observational period were due to lightning strikes. When looking at high-altitude mountaineering this percentage increased to 0.32%.
