Scottish Walker Killed By Lightning Strike

Sad news from Scotland where a hillwalker has died after being struck by lightning reportedly at the summit of Ben Oss near Tyndrum.

Derek Hunter, 40, was walking with a friend when an electrical storm struck the area. According to some reports, his friend was apparently unable to use his mobile to call for help after the local mobile phone mast was put out of action by the storm.

As a result it took some time for help to arrive and it's reported by the BBC that Derek was dead by the time a rescue helicopter arrived on the scene.

It's unusual for hillwalkers in the UK to suffer lightning strikes, but the incident emphasises that electrical storms are a very real danger. If you are caught out in a storm, stay off high ground, particularly summits and pinnacles. You should also avoid caves, overhangs and cracks and water courses which may channel electricity from a strike. Ideally you should try to sit on something dry with as few points of contact with the ground as possible and don't lie down as this will increase the area of your body in contact with the ground.

More details from the BBC, in The Scotsman and in the Daily Record.