Three people were killed and four others injured in a lightning strike at a riverside resort in Russia’s Tula region, around 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Moscow, authorities said Monday.
A man and a woman from Moscow, as well as a local teenage boy, died from their injuries before ambulances could arrive at the Shakhtyor resort, according to the state-run TASS news agency, citing regional health officials.
The Telegram news channel Baza, which has links to Russian law enforcement agencies, published a photo appearing to show a man’s body on the riverbank near the resort. It identified the victims as a 55-year-old man, a 50-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy.
Two women were hospitalized, one in critical condition. A man and a male teenager received medical treatment at the scene.
Regional prosecutors said they launched an investigation into possible safety violations.
“Prosecutors will inspect the beach area for required safety equipment and examine documentation related to the beach’s operation,” they said in a statement.
The incident came amid heavy rainstorms that swept through central Russia after a heat wave over the weekend.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
