A tourist has died after being bitten by a cobra during a snake-charming show at an Egyptian hotel. The 57-year-old German man was on holiday in the popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada when the incident occurred in early April.
According to Bavarian police, the man was watching a traditional snake-charming performance, where a performer uses a wind instrument while handling poisonous snakes in front of guests. At the beginning of the spectacle, two snakes were reportedly wrapped around the necks of the spectators.
The snake charmer then encouraged a cobra to enter the trouser leg of the tourist. After some time the snake bit his leg.
Police said the man soon started showing symptoms of poisoning. He was revived at the scene before being taken to hospital, but died shortly after arriving.
Cobras are highly venomous snakes, the king cobra produces enough neurotoxin and cytotoxin to kill 20 people or an elephant at once.
Prosecutors are now investigating the death and are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
Contacted by Agence France-Presse, Egyptian officials said they were not aware of the incident.
Snake charmers are often depicted as animals being “hypnotized” by music.
In fact, snakes do not react to the sound of the instrument. Instead, they move forward defensively in response to the artist’s actions.
However, the area has also been associated with a number of serious incidents involving holidaymakers.
At least six Russian tourists, including two children, died, while dozens of others were rescued.
