Four hikers have been struck by lightning in NSW as thunderstorms batter state

A group of hikers have been struck by lightning as they walked along a popular hiking track in NSW Blue Mountains amid severe weather conditions in the state’s southeast.

A group of hikers have been struck by lightning as they walked along a popular walking trail in the Blue Mountains in NSW on Wednesday.

Paramedics were called to Echo Point road in Katoomba about 3:15pm following reports four individuals had been struck by lightning as severe storms swept over the region.

NSW Ambulance said “paramedics were told four people were walking the Three Sisters track and holding onto the steel handrail when lightning struck in the area.”

Echo Point & Three Sisters, Katoomba. Picture: David Hill

The sightseers managed to walk up from the track before council staff at the Echo Point Visitor Information Centre called emergency services.

Three women aged in their 20s and one man also in his 20s was treated by paramedics.

“One of the women was also treated for a head injury sustained in a fall after the lightning strike,” NSW ambulance said.

All four patients were taken to Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial hospital in a stable condition and the woman who suffered a head injury remained in hospital overnight.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill praised the staff at the visitor information centre for their “quick thinking”.

Blue Mountains Mayor, Councillor Mark Greenhill.

Mr Greenhill said a “large number of visitors sheltered in the VIC and were supported by council staff during the storm”.

“I ask people to take care for your own safety and the safety of others. Take precautions when outside, including driving safely and watching out for any hazards including fallen trees and powerlines, flooding and water over roads,” Mr Greenhill said in a statement.

“Given previous major rain events have caused landslides and trees to come down. We are asking residents and visitors to take extreme care when outdoors and in parks and natural areas.”

The incident followed severe thunderstorm warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday afternoon as storm cells moved through the region.

The Bureau has since warned NSW of severe thunderstorms on Thursday as the state’s southeast continues to be hit by wild weather.