A tourist has died after being bitten by a cobra during a snake-charming show at a hotel in Egypt. The 57-year-old German man was on holiday in Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort, when the incident happened in early April.
According to Bavarian police, the man had been watching a traditional snake-charming performance, where a performer uses a wind instrument while handling venomous snakes in front of guests. At the start of the spectacle, two snakes were reportedly draped around the necks of audience members.
The snake charmer then encouraged one of the cobras to slither into the tourist’s trouser leg. The snake bit him on the leg moments later.
Police said the man quickly began to show signs of poisoning. He was resuscitated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, but died shortly after arriving.
Cobras are highly venomous snakes, with the king cobra producing enough neurotoxin and cytotoxin to kill 20 people or an elephant in a single bite.
Prosecutors are now investigating the death and are waiting for the results of toxicology tests.
When contacted by Agence France-Presse, Egyptian authorities said they were not aware of the incident.
Snake charming is often portrayed as animals being “hypnotised” by music.
In reality, snakes do not respond to the sound of the instrument. Instead, they move defensively in reaction to the performer’s motions.
However, the area has also been linked to several serious incidents involving holidaymakers.
At least six Russian tourists, including two children, were killed, while dozens more were rescued.
