Tourist Dies After Snake Bites Him Inside Pants During Egypt Show

A 57-year-old German tourist died after being bitten by a snake during a snake-charming show at a hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, German police said on Monday.

The incident occurred in early April while the man, who has not been named, was on holiday with two relatives. According to a statement from police in southern Bavaria, the victim was watching the performance when one of the snakes—believed to be a cobra—crawled into his trousers and bit him in the leg.

Police described how the snake charmer allowed the reptile to move into the man’s clothing as part of the act. The victim exhibited “clear signs of poisoning” and required resuscitation before being rushed to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities in Germany are awaiting the results of a toxicology test as part of their investigation into the fatal incident.

The man was from the Unterallgäu district in Bavaria. German prosecutors are also involved in the probe, though no charges have been filed. When contacted by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Egyptian authorities stated they were unaware of the incident at the time.

Snake Shows Under Scrutiny

Snake-charming performances, often featuring cobras, are a traditional form of entertainment in parts of North Africa and the Middle East. However, such shows have faced criticism over safety concerns, particularly when audience members are directly involved. In this case, the two snakes used in the act were draped over the necks of spectators before one was allowed to enter the victim’s trousers.

Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort town, attracts millions of tourists annually, many of whom attend cultural performances as part of their holiday experience. While no official statement has been released by Egyptian tourism authorities, the incident has raised questions about the regulation of such shows and the potential risks to visitors.

Investigation Ongoing

German police have not released further details about the snake species involved, though cobras are known for their potent venom. The toxicology report is expected to provide clarity on the cause of death. Meanwhile, the victim’s family has not commented publicly on the tragedy.

What we have is not the first time a snake-related incident has resulted in a tourist fatality. In 2018, a British man died in Cyprus after being bitten by a venomous snake while on holiday. Such cases, though rare, highlight the dangers posed by wildlife interactions in tourist settings.

For now, German and Egyptian authorities are coordinating their efforts to determine the full circumstances of the man’s death. The investigation remains active, with no indication of criminal intent at this stage.