Irish tourist killed by lightning strike on Mount Kilimanjaro

TANZANIA (eTN) – Famous Irish mountain climber, Ian McKeever, was killed by a lightning strike some 4,000 meters up on Mount Kilimanjaro during a New Year climbing expedition.

TANZANIA (eTN) – Famous Irish mountain climber, Ian McKeever, was killed by a lightning strike some 4,000 meters up on Mount Kilimanjaro during a New Year climbing expedition.

Reports from the Tanzania National Parks Authority said the Irish mountain climber was struck by lightning as he led a group of other climbers to conquer Africaโ€™s highest peak.

The 42-year-old was leading a group of 23 Irish climbers up Africa’s highest mountain when they encountered a lightning storm Wednesday afternoon in the Londorosi area, which caused the death of McKeever.

Officials from the Tanzania National Parks confirmed the death of the Irish tourist and said that other climbers who survived the accident are currently under medical observation.

Mount Kilimanjaro is under the management of the Tanzania National Parks. Authorities brought down the body of the late Irish tourist for further arrangements in Moshi town located at the foothills of the mountain.

Mr. McKeever, the author of two books – Give Me Shelter and Give Me Heroes – was working on a third book titled โ€œGive Me 28 Daysโ€ before his untimely death.

Torrential rains are currently being observed in most parts of Tanzania with frequent lightning. In the capital city of Dar es Salaam, heavy and torrential rain blocked most business for most of the hours on that day.

Other than this reported accident, no reports of lightning accidents have been recorded to have occurred and killed tourists while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, although the mountain area is dominated with heavy rains and frequent thunderstorms and lightning.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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