Comparative Analysis on Lightning Strike Fatalities in Germany: 1900–1924 and 2000–2024

Fatal lightning strike incidents over the past decades have been examined in studies of individual European countries. Nevertheless, there remains a notable absence of research focusing on historical periods. To provide a comprehensive analysis on this subject with a main focus on societal impact, this study investigates fatal lightning incidents in Germany during the 25-year interval from 1900 to 1924 (within the borders of 1990) and compares these findings with data from the period 2000 to 2024. The dataset utilized in this study is derived from the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD), which is managed by the European Severe Storm Laboratory (ESSL), and contains publicly available data derived from contemporary newspapers, church chronicles, and local authorities (police and fire departments), which are collected by ESSL and its partners.

In total, more than 2,500 individual lightning fatalities were recorded in the ESWD for both investigation periods. We report on the spatial distribution of fatalities, gender and age groups, work and leisure activities, and further circumstances which lead to a fatal lightning incident. Furthermore, this study will examine the extent to which individuals were able to perceive the risks associated with their circumstances and the protective actions they undertook in response to the perceived threat. We will also examine the specific characteristics of events occurring in urban and rural environments, and to what extent particular behaviors, such as altruism, played a role.

During the period from 1900 to 1924, an annual average of more than 100 fatalities due to lightning strikes was recorded. In the comparison interval from 2000 to 2024, the total number of fatalities was 50, corresponding to an average of 2 deaths per year. In both periods, the majority of victims were male (65.5% and 68.8%, respectively). The German states with the highest cumulative numbers of lightning-related fatalities across both periods under investigation are North Rhine-Westphalia (397 deaths), Bavaria (355 deaths), and Baden-Württemberg (319 deaths). Comparative analysis of the two periods reveals significant contrasts in total fatality counts over the 25-year intervals, notable differences in the mean age of victims, and disparities in the proportions of fatalities associated with work versus leisure activities.