LIGHTNING

Quebec, Val David, Mont Cesaire

At 1400 on July 24, 1987, a group of nine climbers was having lunch on the summit of Mont Cesaire after a climbing course. Mont Cesaire is one of several rocky peaks in the area, roughly 200 meters above its base. A storm suddenly blew in. One of the climbers (17) was struck by lightning and killed instantly. (Source: Gilles Contant, Federation Quebeçoise de la Montagne)

Analysis

The Quebec Provincial Police decided that the death was an “act of God.” (Source: Gilles Contant, Federation Quebeçoise de la Montagne)

Editor’s Note: The report does not say whether the climbers were prepared to leave their lunch spot. A summit is a dangerous place during an electrical storm, and a rapid departure may be called for.