“The helicopter managed to get the survivors off the hill. Most were relatively unscathed.

“The deceased was incredibly unlucky. The group were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“It was a short-lived thunderstorm – it lasted about 20 minutes. It was a very heavy sky – there was a flash and then the rumble. We saw a lightning flash.”

The lightning bolt was so strong that it reportedly left a small crater on the ground.

A local at the scene said: “The power went out with the lightning strike. I can’t emphasise how strong the thunder was. I have never felt or heard anything like it in my life. The ground shook.”

A Police Scotland spokesman, confirming the incident, said: “At 5.42 pm police were alerted to an incident where two members of a walking group comprising seven people had been struck by lightning and injured.

“Assistance was sought from HM Coasgtguard helicopter, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team and Scottish Ambulance service helimed and ambulances.

“The party were traced on Na Gruagaichean in the Mamore Range near Kinlochleven.

“Two casualties and the rest of their party were airlifted to Fort William.

“Sadly, a woman aged 55 years died as a result of her injuries.

“Another woman was taken by ambulance to Belford Hospital in Fort William where her condition is stable.

“The next of kin of the woman who died have been advised and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Forecasters had warned of grey, rainy conditions in the area of the tragedy, yet not lightning.

But another local warned: “The weather in the area is so changeable. Out on the mountains it can be sweetness and light one minute, then blindingly savage the next. I’ve seen thunderstorms bubble up in seconds out there.

“My heart goes out to the people affected. It’s a terrible thing for them all to have been through.”

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