On August 27, Thomas Fahmy was walking down a street in Staten Island, New York, on his way to the dentist when a sudden, bright white flash of light struck him from above. He fell to the ground and described the experience as “horrific.”
After the initial shock, a local resident noticed Fahmy lying on the sidewalk and immediately dialed 911. The emergency response team arrived quickly, examined him for injuries, and took him to the hospital for assessment. According to Fahmy, he did not sustain any serious injuries – a rare outcome, given how often lightning strikes can result in severe trauma or death.
Fahmy told reporters from CBS and BBC that for the first time ever he felt sensations in his body that he had never experienced before, describing the shock as an “unimaginable” burst of energy. The incident has prompted a reminder from local authorities to exercise caution during sudden storms and to seek shelter, as lightning can strike unexpectedly even when the sky appears clear.
He will likely receive follow‑up care from his local medical team. In the meantime, the news is a stark reminder that lightning remains one of the most dangerous natural phenomena in the United States.
