Lightning bolt strikes Acropolis of Athens, injuring 4 people, Greece
A lightning bolt struck Athen's famous Acropolis on April 17, 2019, injuring two tourists and two guards.
A statement released by the country's Culture Ministry said the lightning hit citadel's lightning conductor, shattering glass windows in two nearby guard booths.
Two guards who were inside and two female tourists were injured and taken to hospital.
The tourists were treated for minor cuts and released after checks, a city official said. The two guards also suffered minor injuries but were kept in the hospital overnight for precautionary measures.
Culture minister spokeswoman told AFP the Acropolis itself suffered no damage, adding the site was closed for the rest of the day since the strike knocked out electricity and entry system.
This is one of the highest points in the city center with a documented history of severe lightning strikes.
In 1645, when Acropolis served as a fortress during the Ottoman Turkish occupation of Greece, a lightning bolt hit the entrance to the citadel, used as gunpowder store at the time. The event caused a massive explosion and extensively damaged the building.
Acropolis is one of the most-visited tourist sites in the world.
Greece was hit by severe storms this week, including one of the most intense hailstorms Athens has ever seen.
The hailstorm lasted less than 15 minutes, but it left huge amounts of ice, causing serious traffic jams and power outages.
Featured image created using images by Curran Kelleher and John Fowler. Edit: TW
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