A 28-year-old man was killed and 13 others were injured on Friday evening when a severe thunderstorm swept through Saxon Switzerland National Park in eastern Germany.
According to police in Dresden, the fatal incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on a hiking trail leading from Rathen toward the famous Bastei rock formation in the Saxon Switzerland/Osterzgebirge district. The man was struck and killed by a falling tree during the storm.
Most of the other injuries were reportedly caused by broken branches and debris brought down by the extreme weather. Three people were taken to hospital, while ten others received treatment at the scene.
Authorities have cordoned off the affected area, warning that trails are currently unsafe and impassable due to extensive storm damage. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the fatality are ongoing.
Emergency crews also continue to assess the damage caused by the powerful winds, which left numerous trees uprooted and paths blocked throughout the park.
Emergency services evacuated around 40 people from the affected area. According to rescue officials, the thunderstorm intensified within minutes, causing widespread wind damage and numerous fallen trees.
Search operations continued late into the evening as responders checked for anyone who might still be trapped or injured. No additional missing persons were reported.
The severe weather also forced the closure of the Felsenbühne Rathen, a well-known open-air theater located near the storm-hit area. Access to the venue has been prohibited after numerous trees fell on the grounds.
“Our loss is hard to put into words. Performances planned for this weekend have been canceled,” said Managing Director Artemis Willms in comments to German broadcaster MDR. A performance had been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening, but the storm damage made the venue unsafe for visitors and staff.
The tragedy underscores the dangers posed by sudden summer storms in forested and mountainous regions. Popular outdoor destinations such as Saxon Switzerland can quickly become hazardous when severe weather strikes, leaving little time for visitors to seek shelter.
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