Full Breakdown
German Tourist Dies After Cobra Bite During Hotel Snake Show in Hurghada
4/29/2026, 7:09:54 AM
Fatal Cobra Bite at a Red Sea Resort
A 57-year-old German tourist from Unterallgäu, Bavaria, died after a venomous cobra bit his leg during a snake-charmer show at a Hurghada hotel in early April 2026. While with two relatives, the snake entered his trousers, caused poisoning symptoms, required resuscitation, and he died at a local hospital.
Background: Snake-Charming Entertainment in Egyptian Resorts
Cobra-based snake-charming shows are common at Red Sea resorts, where performers let guests handle the reptiles and drape them around necks, creating close contact between snakes and tourists.
Key Parties and Ongoing Investigation
The Bavarian State Police issued a statement and the Memmingen Criminal Police Inspectorate, under the Memmingen Public Prosecutor’s Office, opened a criminal investigation. A police spokesman confirmed cooperation with Egyptian authorities. The probe is not currently focused on the snake charmer, and toxicology results are pending.
Global Context: Snakebite Mortality
The World Health Organization estimates 81,000–138,000 snakebite deaths annually, with about three times as many victims sustaining permanent disabilities such as amputations.
Official Statements & Responses
Bavarian police called the incident a “clear case of poisoning” after a cobra bite and said the investigation remains open pending toxicology results. Egyptian officials, reached by international media, said they were unaware of the case. German investigators stressed the probe is transparent and not directed at the performer.
Criticism and Safety Concerns
The case revives criticism of resort animal shows that allow direct guest contact with venomous snakes. Observers cite similar safety lapses in Hurghada, such as shark attacks and a submarine accident, highlighting broader tourism risk concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Information Gaps
Unresolved details include the exact bite date, the victim’s identity, and toxicology results. Egyptian authorities have not commented, and no formal investigation of the snake charmer has been announced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During the snake charmer's performance, one of the snakes crawled into the trousers of a 57-year-old man, resulting in a bite to the German tourist's leg,” — Bavarian State Police
- “He subsequently exhibited clear symptoms of poisoning and required resuscitation.” — Bavarian State Police
- “He subsequently went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated before being taken to hospital, where he died.” — Police spokesperson
- “We are working together with the Egyptian authorities,” — Police spokesperson
What’s Next
German investigators will publish the toxicology report when available and consider additional charges. The case may prompt Egyptian tourism regulators to review safety protocols for animal performances, possibly tightening oversight of snake-charming shows.
