Two climbers struck by lightning on Yushan

Taipei, Aug. 21 (CNA) A 45-year-old woman was hospitalized after being struck by lightning on Wednesday while attempting to hike to the summit of Yushan, Taiwan's highest peak, the Nantou County Fire Bureau said.

The climber was in urgent need of treatment after sustaining head injuries and bleeding. She was carried to the trailhead and taken to Chu Shang Show Chwan Hospital in Nantou County at around 1 a.m. Thursday, the bureau said.

A 58-year-old man who was climbing with her was also struck by lightning. He sustained multiple bruises but was not in critical condition, according to the bureau.

The two had departed Paiyun Lodge, a facility where many climbers rest before summiting, at around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday..

The bureau said it received a report of the incident around noon on Wednesday. Rescuers requested assistance from the Seventh Special Police Corps and Yushan National Park Headquarters, but poor weather made it impossible for a helicopter to airlift the injured climbers.

Video provided by the park headquarters showed hail and lightning still active as the rescue team made its way to the pair.

The team brought them back to Paiyun Lodge around 6 p.m. Wednesday, and medical professionals at the lodge determined the man's condition was stable but advised immediate hospitalization for the woman.

Rescuers then took turns carrying her down the mountain, arriving at the trailhead early Thursday.