French President Hollande's Plane Hit By Lightning

Newly sworn in French President Francois Hollande has been delayed in his journey to Berlin for key talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after his plane was hit by lightning.

The plane was forced to turn back to Paris. Mr Hollande is now on a second plane and is expected to arrive in Berlin 90 minutes late, at 19:30 GMT.

During his inauguration speech, Mr Hollande appealed for "a compromise" over the German-led focus on austerity.

He called for an emphasis on "growth".

"The plane could have been hit by lightning," a presidential spokesman told the AFP news agency.

"For security reasons, it turned back. At this moment, the president is again en route."

No-one on board was hurt.

It is very common for planes to be hit by lightning: most pilots will experience two strikes a year, some many more.

Planes are designed to dispel the electricity out through the wingtips, our correspondent says, so that it is rare to have to turn back after a strike.

Source: BBC News  

Posted in: Europe