US Man Says Lightning Strikes Were ‘Horrific’ in Staten Island

Sun Sep 06 2026 00:32:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Staten Island resident walked under a flash of lightning on Aug. 27 and survived a harrowing but non‑fatal strike.

On August 27, a man named Thomas Fahmy was walking to the dentist in Staten Island, New York, when a sudden lightning flash struck him, leaving him stunned and terrified. He described the sensation as “horrific” and reported feeling sensations he’d never experienced before. Fortunately, a passer‑by promptly called 911 and Fahmy was taken to a hospital where he sustained no serious injuries. The incident highlights the unpredictable danger of lightning strikes and the importance of quick emergency response.

Lightning Strike Turns 27‑Year‑Old into Survivor in Staten Island

On the afternoon of August 27, Thomas Fahmy was strolling along a street in Staten Island, New York, heading toward a dental office when a bright white flash illuminated the sky. The lightning bolt struck him, sending a shockwave through his body and leaving him down on the pavement in disbelief.

Fahmy told reporters that the experience felt “horrific”; he described sensations he had never felt before. He was aided by a neighborhood resident who immediately dialed 911 and helped him reach an emergency room.

Medical staff evaluated Fahmy in the hospital and confirmed no serious injuries—though the incident underscores the potential for lightning events to cause severe harm. While he was shaken, his survival was a testament to prompt assistance and the quick response of first‑ responders.