Monte Livata lightning strike leaves scout in critical condition

A 16-year-old scout is in critical condition at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome after being struck by lightning on Monte Livata, near Subiaco. The incident occurred during a violent thunderstorm while the teenager and two companions were attempting to retrieve equipment near a tree.

The victim suffered cardiac arrest following the strike. Friends and scout leaders provided immediate assistance, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for approximately 20 minutes before emergency services arrived. The teenager was subsequently airlifted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where his prognosis remains guarded.

Two other scouts, aged 13 and 16, were also injured. They were transported to hospitals in Subiaco and Tivoli in yellow code (moderate urgency) for treatment of burns and general malaise. Their conditions are reported to be stable and not life-threatening. Carabinieri and local emergency services are investigating the exact dynamics of the accident.