Near miss for seven climbers in lightning incident

Seven of 14 climbers had a close call with lightning while camping at the peak of Gunung Rajah near here last night.

Bentong police chief Supt Mohamad Mansor Mohd Nor said however all victims were reported safe and were not injured in the 12.30am incident.

"Police received a call at 12.36am from a man believed to be a climber from the group who said a lightning struck close to them but they were still conscious.

"Following that, a search and rescue operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Kuala Kubu Baharu Fire and Rescue station," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.

According to him, all 14 climbers were reported to be in the process of being brought down via Kuala Kubu Baharu.

He said investigations found the group of climbers began their ascent up Gunung Rajah yesterday evening but did not inform police or the Forestry Department. -- BERNAMA