A doorbell camera recorded a startling scene on August 27 when lightning struck Thomas Fahmy as he walked to a dentist appointment in New York. The flash of light knocked him to the ground, but the 45‑year‑old man was able to get up and, after a short hospital stay, left with surprisingly little physical damage.
What happened
Fahmy told WABC that he saw a “white flash” and felt an immediate “tingling, numbness, pain” throughout his body. He described a burning sensation but did not lose consciousness. Emergency responders took him to a nearby hospital for observation.
Medical assessment
Doctors performed multiple full‑body examinations and, to Fahmy’s relief, found no burns, rashes, or obvious neurological injury. They advised him to stay hydrated and monitor his symptoms overnight. He was released the next day with a clean bill of health.
Lightning statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports roughly 37 million lightning strikes hit the U.S. each year, yet the odds of an individual being struck in a given year are less than one in a million. The National Weather Service notes that about 90 percent of lightning‑strike victims survive, though many experience short‑term symptoms such as muscle soreness, headache, nausea, dizziness, or memory lapses. Longer‑term effects can include sleep disturbances, slower reaction times, irritability, personality changes, and chronic pain.
Faith and gratitude
After his recovery, Fahmy attended church on Sunday to thank God for his safety. He said, “I went to church on Sunday too to say, ‘Thank you, God.'” The experience reinforced his gratitude and, according to him, reminded him of the importance of faith during unexpected trials.
Everyday life resumes
Just days after the incident, Fahmy returned to his routine, even purchasing a lottery ticket the following Saturday. His story serves as a reminder that while lightning can be deadly, many survivors walk away with minimal injury, especially when prompt medical care is provided.
Safety tips
Experts advise that anyone caught outdoors during a thunderstorm should seek shelter immediately, avoid tall objects, stay away from windows, and refrain from using wired electronics. If you hear thunder, the safest course is to move indoors and wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap before venturing back outside.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
