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DEATH SPARK

Woman killed after being struck by lightning as her partner fights for life in hospital

The couple are believed to have been standing by a tree when the lightning hit

A YOUNG woman has been killed in a shock accident - when a bolt of lightning electrocuted her.

Lauren Brownlee and boyfriend Ben Hollow were watching a thunderstorm in a Melbourne park when they were hit on Friday evening.

Lauren Brownlee died from her injuries sustained when she was hit by lightning during a storm
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Lauren Brownlee died from her injuries sustained when she was hit by lightning during a stormCredit: Facebook

Now, Ben is fighting for his life in hospital after going into cardiac arrest, whilst office manager Lauren died shortly after being rushed for treatment.

A spokesman confirmed to the Daily Mail Australia that he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The pair, both in their 20's, had parked their car in a prime spot on Chirnside park to view the shock scenes of nature at its worst as severe thunderstorms battered the city.

Cops think they had got out of their car, and were standing somewhere near a tree when the bolt of lightning hit.

Lauren worked as an office manager, and was enjoying an evening with boyfriend Ben when the bolt struck
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Lauren worked as an office manager, and was enjoying an evening with boyfriend Ben when the bolt struckCredit: Facebook
Lauren's tragic death came as Melbourne was hit by severe thunderstorms
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Lauren's tragic death came as Melbourne was hit by severe thunderstormsCredit: Facebook
Ben Hollow (centre) was also struck by lightning, and is now in a serious condition in hospital
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Ben Hollow (centre) was also struck by lightning, and is now in a serious condition in hospitalCredit: Facebook

Residents told that the hills were a popular spot for people to come and taking photos during the storm.

Shocked passers-by rushed to the couple's aid and performed CPR as the storm continued its carnage around them.

The horrific accident came as emergency services were called out to power cuts and fallen trees across the city, all caused by the bad weather.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but could not save Lauren, who was in her 20's
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Emergency services rushed to the scene, but could not save Lauren, who was in her 20'sCredit: Facebook
Lauren, front left, and Ben, middle left, were standing between their tree and a car when the lightning suddenly hit them
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Lauren, front left, and Ben, middle left, were standing between their tree and a car when the lightning suddenly hit themCredit: Facebook

55 homes were left without power, and residents were warned to stay indoors.

Firefighters responded to a surge of calls for help between 8-9:30pm that evening, with heavy rainfall and a possibility of large hailstones hitting the area.

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The weather bureau said there were 15,000 lightning flashes in the north-east and eastern suburbs of the city, with more severe weather expected over the weekend.

Dr. Andrew Tupper from the bureau, expressed his condolences to Lauren's family.

He said: "Last night we had a tragic accident and we're obviously feeling for everyone involved today."

Mum captures lightning bolt that struck just feet from her son

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