Hundreds of reindeer killed by lightning in ferocious storm

Hundreds of reindeer have died after being struck by lightning during a freak thunderstorm in southern Norway.

The tragedy occurred on a mountain plateau on Friday, as a severe thunderstorm rolled into the Hardangervidda region.

According to local media, the 323 wild reindeer were killed instantly by the lightning strike as they were all huddled together trying to escape the rain.

Confronting images of the scene have been posted online after being released by the Norwegian Environment Agency.

Warning – some readers may find these images distressing.

Photos emerge from Norway where a single lightning strike has killed at least 323 reindeer https://t.co/L0I6CAOQbopic.twitter.com/Xbmpwper37

— BNO News (@BNONews) August 28, 2016

Because of the number of carcasses, rangers aren’t sure if they can let nature take its course or whether they will have to be removed.