This incredible photograph shows the blackened hole made in a woman's T-shirt after she was struck by lightning while sheltering under a tree in a mountain storm.

The strike occurred in the Ore Mountains near the village of Tisa in the Usti nad Labem region, in the Czech Republic, on Saturday, 3rd May.

The German tourists, a woman and a man, had sought protection from the storm beneath a tree when the lightning bolt hit, burning a hole through the woman's white T-shirt and causing chest burns to both.

According to Czech Mountain Rescue, the couple were found disoriented by another group of German hikers before being taken to a nearby rest point known locally as "At the cross."

Both victims suffered burns to the chest, and the man also reported severe facial pain and impaired vision in one eye.

Emergency crews transported the woman, who sustained moderate injuries, to a local hospital while the man, with serious injuries, was taken to a trauma centre.

Photos released by the Czech Mountain Service show a large, blackened hole in the woman's shirt, clearly marking the entry point of the lightning.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute had issued a storm warning earlier that day, predicting torrential rain, hail, and strong winds.

Experts warn that trees can attract lightning strikes and should never be used for shelter during storms.

The Tyssaer Wande area, where the pair were found, is a popular hiking destination known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and is just 40 minutes from Dresden.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)