Overview

• A lightning strike at Zoo de la Barben in southeastern France injured 13 visitors, including four children, with one German woman in critical condition.
• The strike occurred in a cleared area of the zoo on May 14, 2025, prompting the deployment of 46 firefighters and 23 vehicles for emergency response.
• Two victims were directly struck by lightning, while the remaining injured are in stable condition, according to officials.
• Despite the injuries, no animals or zoo infrastructure were harmed, highlighting the resilience of the facility.
• Authorities are reviewing storm forecasting procedures as the region was under a yellow storm warning, but no severe weather had been locally predicted.