British tourist fighting for life after being struck by lightning on beach

A British woman is fighting for her life after she was struck by lightning while sunbathing on a beach in Croatia.

The 48-year-old had been sunbathing with her daughter on Kašjuni Beach - located near the popular holiday spot Split - on Saturday afternoon (21 August) when the weather turned.

The mother was treated at the scene by a paramedic who was on call for the Marjenski Dir triathlon and had been helping with a nearby bike accident.

According to reports, she was then taken to a local hospital where she is now in a critical condition with serious head injuries and burns.

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MailOnline has reported that doctors believe the lightning struck the woman’s necklace.

Local authorities said in a statement: “The woman received medical assistance at the scene and was transported to the hospital where she was kept for further treatment, her life is in danger.”

Recalling the incident, waiters at a nearby bar, Joe’s, told the publication that the thunderstorm rolled in suddenly and described seeing 'really bright flashes'.

They added: "Then at one point there was a massive bang and a lightning flash at the same time and I looked out and saw the woman on the floor and her daughter with her."

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are providing support to the family of a British national in Croatia and are in contact with the local authorities.”

While being struck by lightning is rare, we previously reported how three British siblings were struck as they took shelter underneath a tree during the heavy rain.

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Rachel, Isobel and Andrew Jobson were hit last July as they were trying to enjoy a bike ride near Hampton Court Palace in Richmond upon Thames.

The trio decided to take a quick selfie under their saviour tree and incredibly caught the moment they were struck - a pictures that has a strong orange tinge.

The siblings have been left with lightning-marks on their bodies and were admitted to hospital for treatment to their burns before being discharged a few hours later.

Speaking to the BBC, 23-year-old Isobel said: "The picture of us at the moment the lightning strike happened was at 17:05.

"I took a picture of us smiling and we then wanted a sad picture in the rain.

"All of a sudden I was on the ground and couldn't hear anything apart from this high-pitched buzzing. My whole right arm was numb and I couldn't move it."

Isobel Jobson

Rachel, 26, added: "We were taking the picture with our phone and then the next thing, I was on the ground. I felt disjointed. My sister and I were screaming.

"I got burnt on my thigh and stomach and it's left lightning-like marks behind on me and my sister. I couldn't feel my arm."

She went on to say: "My sister's arm was very hot, because of the plate.

"Everyone was amazed at what had happened to us."