Full Breakdown
German Tourist Dies After Snake Bite During Hurghada Show
4/28/2026, 10:27:47 AM
Fatal Incident at a Hurghada Snake-Charming Performance
A 57-year-old German visitor was watching a snake-charming act at a hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, when a snake—identified by authorities as a cobra—crawled into his trousers and bit his leg. He displayed clear signs of poisoning, was resuscitated on site, transferred to a hospital and later died.
Context: Snake-Charming Entertainment in Red Sea Resorts
The incident occurred during a live animal performance that is part of the entertainment offered at several hotels along the Red Sea coast. In this case, two snakes were draped over audience members’ necks before the bite took place.
Individuals and Agencies Involved
The victim hailed from the Unterallgäu district of Bavaria and was on holiday with two relatives. German police in southern Bavaria and federal prosecutors have opened an investigation. Egyptian authorities, when approached by AFP, said they were not aware of the incident.
Chronology of the Event
- Early April 2024: Snake-charming show takes place in Hurghada.
- 27 April 2024: German police release a statement describing the bite and the victim’s condition.
- Following days: Victim is hospitalized and subsequently dies; German investigators await toxicology results.
Key Data Points
- Age of victim: 57 years.
- Origin: Unterallgäu district, Bavaria, Germany.
- Companions: Two relatives.
- Snakes involved: Two, both thought to be cobras.
- Medical response: Resuscitation, hospitalisation, death.
Official Statements and Responses
German police confirmed that the “snake charmer” let a snake crawl into the tourist’s trousers, resulting in a leg bite and poisoning. They added that prosecutors are investigating and that toxicology testing is pending. Egyptian officials, contacted by AFP, reported no prior knowledge of the event.
Significance and Potential Repercussions
The death underscores the cross-border nature of tourist safety investigations, requiring coordination between German law-enforcement and Egyptian officials. It may also prompt a review of safety protocols for live-animal performances in tourist venues, given the fatal outcome of a routine entertainment act.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
German authorities treat the incident as a criminal case and are awaiting forensic results, while Egyptian authorities claim no awareness of the occurrence. The toxicology report, which could confirm the species of snake and the exact toxin involved, remains unavailable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The ‘snake charmer’ then let one of the snakes crawl into the trousers” of the German man and it bit him in the leg, they said in a statement.” — German police statement
- “The victim showed “clear signs of poisoning” and had to be resuscitated before being taken to hospital, but he later died, it said.” — German police statement
- “German police and prosecutors are investigating his death and are awaiting the results of a toxicology test.” — German police statement
- “The two reptiles involved, thought to be cobras, were draped over the necks of audience members, police in southern Bavaria state said.” — German police statement
- “When contacted by AFP, the Egyptian authorities said they were not aware of the incident.” — Egyptian authorities
Upcoming Steps in the Investigation
German prosecutors will analyze the pending toxicology results and determine whether charges are warranted. Both German and Egyptian officials are expected to exchange information to clarify the circumstances and assess whether additional safety measures for animal-based shows are needed.
