In brief
On August 27, Thomas Fahmy was walking to a dentist in Staten Island when a lightning bolt struck him, delivering a sudden, intense flash. Fahmy, who says the sensation was unlike anything he has felt, was quickly taken to a hospital by a local citizen who called 9‑1‑1. Luckily he sustained no serious injuries. Experts caution that lightning can deliver millions of volts in a split second, underscoring the need for swift medical attention and weather safety precautions.
On August 27, Thomas Fahmy, a 28‑year‑old resident of Staten Island, was walking to a dentist when a sudden lightning bolt struck him.
“I’ve never felt such sensations in my life,” Fahmy told CBS News and BBC News, describing the flash as “horrific.”
He was promptly taken to a hospital by a local citizen who called 9‑1‑1, but fortunately he sustained no serious injuries.
Experts note that lightning strikes can deliver up to 23 million volts in less than a billionth of a second, making the survivor’s experience terrifying yet survivable when medical attention is swift.
Residents and visitors in areas prone to thunderstorms are urged to stay indoors during severe weather and avoid open fields or buildings with metal such as fixtures and outdoor equipment.
