No joke: Hollande plane struck by lightning en route to Merkel summit

The plane returned to France where Hollande has since taken a second flight, bound for Berlin.

MERE HOURS AFTER he was sworn in as president of France Francois Hollande faced his first hiccup this evening when his plane was forced to turn back while en route to Berlin after it was struck by lightning.

Reuters reports that the French president’s plane was forced to turn back after it was struck by lightning during a flight to Berlin where the Socialist Party leader was due to meet with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Crucial talks on all matters eurozone have now been postponed until Hollande can make it to the German capital.

Angelique Chrisafis from the Guardian reports on Twitter that Hollande has since taken off in a second plane that is once again bound for Berlin. Cue talk of lightning not striking twice.

Reuters adds that Hollande was unharmed in the incident.

In pictures: How to… become French president in 7 steps

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Learn More Support The Journal

Francois Hollande after his inauguration earlier today. Plenty of rain but no lightning at that point. Laurent Cipriani/AP/Press Association Images

Lightning

Author

Hugh O'Connell

View 22 comments

Send Tip or Correction

22 Comments

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

France

Francois Hollande

hollande

News in 60 seconds