Severe storm in Saxon Switzerland kills one, injures three and forces evacuations
A violent storm in Saxony's Saxon Switzerland region killed a 38-year-old man, seriously injured three others and led to the evacuation of dozens.
A powerful storm swept the Saxon Switzerland area of eastern Germany, causing a tree to fall onto a 38-year-old man near the Felsenbühne open-air stage in Rathen, resulting in his death. Police said three people suffered serious injuries and ten others were hurt, prompting the evacuation of roughly 40 visitors from the popular Amselgrund valley and nearby Lake Amsel. The Dresden Emergency Services Control Centre noted that darkness hampered rescue work, and a police helicopter equipped with thermal imaging was deployed.
Authorities said the situation on the ground remained unclear and a full picture would emerge once daylight returned. The health resort of Rathen, situated on the Elbe River close to the Bastei rock formation, saw the evening showing of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” cancelled as a precaution.
Why it matters
Shows how sudden severe weather can endanger hikers and tourists in popular natural sites.
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