BEIJING - A YOUNG Chinese couple was killed by a lightning strike as they climbed a rugged part of the Great Wall near Beijing, state media reported Sunday.

The two, both aged 27, were in a group of five visiting the Great Wall on Saturday despite thunder and strong rainfall, the Beijing News reported.

When the couple were hit by the lightning they fell about 30 metres (yards) down a slope, and were dead before medical help arrived, according to the report, which said one of the other three was slightly injured. -- AFP