A 57-year-old German tourist has died after being bitten by a cobra during a snake charmer performance at a hotel in Hurghada, Egypt. The incident occurred while the man was on holiday with two relatives, enjoying a traditional show. According to Bavarian police, the snake charmer had draped two snakes over the necks of other audience members before allowing one of the reptiles to crawl into the trousers of the German man. The snake then sank its fangs into his leg.
Immediate Medical Response
The victim showed immediate signs of poisoning and went into shock. He was resuscitated at the hotel before being transported to a hospital. Egyptian authorities stated they were not aware of the incident when contacted. The man, whose name has not been released, hailed from the Unterallgäu district of Bavaria. Police and prosecutors are investigating his death and awaiting toxicology test results. No arrests have been made so far.
Snake Hypnosis Myth
Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to actually hypnotize a snake. Snake charmers use a woodwind instrument to captivate the reptile, but the venomous animal is actually responding to vibrations and swaying movements. Rather than being entranced, the snake is in a defensive, high-alert state, ready to strike.
Related Incidents in Egypt
This death follows a tragic submarine accident off the coast of Egypt, where two children died after a tourist submarine carrying 45 Russian citizens sank. The bodies of six passengers were recovered near Hurghada after the vessel named 'Sindbad' capsized last year. In 2024, a tourist was killed by a shark while snorkeling in the Red Sea. Gianluca di Gioia, a 48-year-old Italian father of one, was attacked after swimming outside a designated area near Marsa Alam.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the snake charmer incident, with no arrests reported. The case highlights the dangers of interacting with venomous wildlife in entertainment settings.
