Hong Kong hiker dies from lightning strike in Sha Tin as city records more than 3,000 cloud-to-ground flashes in 1 hour
- Firefighters called to Nui Po Shan after police received report about man, aged 23, who had collapsed
- Thunderstorm warning had been in force since early morning, with amber rainstorm alert also going up at 10am
A 23-year-old hiker in Hong Kong died after being struck by lightning while a thunderstorm warning was in force on Saturday.
The tragedy occurred as more than 3,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were recorded across the city between 9.15am and 10.15am.
Firefighters were called to Nui Po Shan in Sha Tin after police received a report about a man aged 23 who had collapsed after a lightning strike at 9.44am.
Authorities sent a helicopter to evacuate the man to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, where he was later declared dead.
The victim and his four friends started their hike outside Shek Mun MTR station. He was hit by lightning 30 minutes later near Three Brothers Rock in Nui Po Shan, a police spokesman said, adding the other four, who were in shock, were sent to Prince of Wales Hospital.
The 399-metre-high Nui Po Shan is located on the eastern side of Sha Tin and is well known for its massive and uniquely shaped rocks.