Lightning Strike at La Barben Zoo: 15 People Injured, Including Four Children

A powerful lightning strike hit the La Barben wildlife park (Bouches-du-Rhône) on Wednesday, May 14, around 3:08 p.m., while the department was under a yellow thunderstorm alert. The incident, which occurred outdoors during seemingly mild weather, caught both visitors and staff off guard. “There was just a light drizzle. We were all taken by surprise,” said Charlotte Pons, the zoo’s director.

Casualties: One in critical condition, several others lightly injured
According to emergency services, 15 people were treated at the scene, including four children. Twelve were in relative emergency condition and were transported to hospitals in Salon-de-Provence, Marignane, and Marseille’s Hôpital Nord. One German national was critically injured and airlifted under medical supervision to Salon hospital. Several victims suffered from a “flash effect,” an indirect lightning injury that can occur when someone is near a tree or metal structure struck by lightning, explained independent meteorologist Paul Marquis.

Emergency response and psychological support
A total of 46 firefighters and 23 emergency vehicles were mobilized. No damage was reported to zoo infrastructure or animals. A psychological support unit may be set up as early as Thursday to assist the affected staff.

Unstable weather conditions
Over 280 lightning strikes were recorded in the Bouches-du-Rhône area on Wednesday, including 14 in the commune of La Barben alone. Thunderstorm activity remained high in nearby Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and to the east.

Romain Tonussi, RN deputy for Bouches-du-Rhône, expressed his support for the victims on social media, calling it a “terrible incident.”