NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA (NBC) — An American tourist was killed after he was struck by lightning while camping with his girlfriend on top of a mountain in Australia.
Police say the pair, both in their 20’s, were camping Mount Warning in New South Wales when the lightning strike hit and killed the man.
They say his girlfriend was also struck and taken to the hospital, where she is being treated for head and neck injuries.
Authorities say two teenager hikers came across the scene and tried to resuscitate the man, but it was too late.
A rescue crew made up of about 15 people trekked to the summit to rescue the group and retrieve the victim’s body.
Mount Warning towers about 3,600 feet above sea level and camping at the summit is prohibited.
Police described the incident as a “tragedy” that was “very unusual.”