Woman suffers cardiac arrest in Ilioupoli following thunderstorm

On September 22, 2026, a woman suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the Astinomika district of Ilioupoli, Attica, during a period of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Emergency services were alerted after the woman collapsed in the street. Initial reports suggested she may have been struck by lightning, but the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAV) subsequently clarified that she was not directly hit, suggesting instead that the cardiac event was triggered by the intense shock of a loud thunderclap.

First responders performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the scene and continued these efforts throughout her transport to the hospital. According to Sigma Live, citing ERT, the woman's heart rhythm was restored before she arrived at the facility, though reports differ slightly on her immediate status; while some initial accounts indicated medical staff were still attempting resuscitation, later reports confirmed she is currently intubated and in critical condition. Authorities have noted that the incident occurred as severe weather impacted the broader Attica region.