A 57-year-old German tourist has tragically died after being bitten by a highly venomous cobra during a snake charming show at a luxury beach resort in Hurghada, Egypt. The incident occurred in early April when the man was watching the performance at a hotel on the Red Sea coast.
Incident Details
According to police in Bavaria, two snakes, believed to be cobras, were draped around the upper bodies of audience members during the show. The victim allowed one of the snakes to crawl up his trousers, resulting in a bite to his leg. The man showed clear signs of poisoning and required resuscitation before being taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigation Underway
The victim, from the Unterallgaeu district in Bavaria, was on holiday with two family members. German police and prosecutors are investigating the death and awaiting toxicology test results. The Memmingen Criminal Police Inspectorate is leading the investigation under the direction of the Memmingen Public Prosecutor's Office.
Snake Charming Controversy
Snake charming remains a controversial practice. While performers often allow reptiles to crawl over guests and place them around their necks, the activity poses significant risks. Cobras possess neurotoxic venom that attacks the central nervous system, leading to rapid paralysis and respiratory failure. Without prompt antivenom or mechanical ventilation, a bite from a large species like the King Cobra can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes. Animal rights organisations have long criticised snake charming for being cruel and a dangerous tourist trap.
