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Motorcyclist hospitalised after being struck by lightning in north-eastern France
The man was airlifted to hospital in Reims after the freak accident on road in Marne department
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A motorcyclist was seriously injured after being struck by lightning while travelling along a major road in north-eastern France.
The incident took place around 15:30 on September 13, during a violent thunderstorm in Marne.
The man was driving along the RN4 between Saint-Dizier and Vitry-le-François when he was struck by lightning near the village of Écriennes, reports France 3.
Emergency services, including firefighters and the SMUR emergency medical team, attended the scene to treat the motorcyclist, who was then airlifted to the trauma centre at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims (CHU).
His condition was described as serious, with his life still considered to be at risk, according to local newspaper L'Union.
The rescue operation caused significant disruption on the RN4, with traffic eventually returning to normal at around 18:00.
Being struck by lightning is extremely rare, but it can cause severe injuries, including burns, heart problems, neurological damage and loss of consciousness.
While there are no reliable figures on the number of people struck by lightning each year in France or the rest of the world, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that almost 90% of all lightning strike victims survive.
What to do during a thunderstorm
If you are outside when a thunderstorm hits, seek shelter as soon as possible. The safest options are a fully enclosed building or a hard-top vehicle with the windows closed.
Open structures such as bus shelters, porches or gazebos do not provide sufficient protection, and you should never shelter under a tree.
If there is no safe shelter nearby, crouch down low with your feet together and your head tucked in. Do not lie flat on the ground, as this can increase your exposure to electrical currents.
If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors and balconies, and avoid contact with plumbing. It is also best to avoid using electrical appliances connected to mains sockets during the storm.
If lightning strikes your home
If your home is struck by lightning, check that everyone is safe and leave immediately if there is smoke, fire or serious damage. Call the emergency services and avoid touching electrical wiring or the electrical panel, as the strike may have caused hidden damage or power surges.
