Four struck by lightning during bushwalk

Four sightseers have been struck by lightning on a popular walking track in NSW’s rugged Blue Mountains.

Emergency services were called to Echo Point Rd at Katoomba shortly after 3pm on Wednesday after reports people were struck by lightning.

Paramedics were told the group were holding onto a steel hand rail while walking the busy Three Sisters walking track when lightning struck.

“The group walked out of the Three Sisters walking track and paramedics treated them at the scene,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.

“There were three females in their 20s and one male in his 20s. They were transported to Blue Mountains Hospital in a stable condition.

“One of the females also had a head injury as well. She fell after the lightning strike.”

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill praised the actions of council staff who he said first called for help following the terrifying incident.

“Council staff from the Echo Point Visitor Information Centre called emergency services … I am proud of them for their quick thinking,” he said.

“Our emergency services were, as always, just incredible. A large number of visitors sheltered in the VIC and were supported by Council staff during the storm.

“Police Rescue are checking a number of walking tracks in the Blue Mountains after reports of stranded walkers as a result of the storm.

“Our thoughts are with the two people struck by lightning and their families during this time.”

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Blue Mountains on Wednesday as a storm cell moved through the area.

The agency warned that much of the state could see severe thunderstorms on Thursday as much of the country’s southeast continues to be battered by wild weather.