In brief
On 27 August Thomas Fahmy was walking to the dentist in Staten Island when a bright flash from a thunderstorm struck him and sent him to the ground. He says the experience was overwhelming and that he has never felt these sensations before. The incident prompted a 911 call and he was taken to a local hospital where he was found to have no serious injuries. Lightning causes thousands of injuries each year in the United States, yet only a small fraction are fatal. Fahmy’s story highlights both the deadly power of lightning and the importance of storm safety awareness.
On 27 August, Staten Island resident Thomas Fahmy was walking to a dental appointment when a bright white flash appeared in the sky. The next moment he felt a jolt so strong it knocked him to the ground.
Fahmy told CBS News, "I have never felt these sensations in my life," describing the experience as overwhelming. He stood for a few minutes after the strike before catching his breath, unsure whether he was alright.
A nearby passer‑by noticed and immediately dialled 911. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Fahmy to the nearest hospital, where he received a full assessment. He was found to have no serious injuries, a relief both he and the crew reported.
Lightning strikes account for roughly 20,000 injuries and 180 deaths annually in the United States. While most strikes cause minor burns or shock, a small subset can be lethal. Residents are advised to seek shelter during thunderstorms and avoid open fields or unshielded metal objects.
The incident underscores the unpredictability of severe weather and the importance of first‑aid readiness. Authorities encourage the public to remain vigilant and to follow official weather alerts for safety measures.
