Published: 10:39 BST, 2 September 2026 | Updated: 10:41 BST, 2 September 2026
A lucky New Yorker survived a lightning strike that hit him as he was walking to a dentist appointment in a thunderstorm.
Thomas Fahmy was hit by the bolt of electricity last Thursday as he made his way to his car which was parked outside his Staten Island home.
CCTV footage showed him walking with his umbrella up in heavy rain. As he walked away from his white picket fence, the lightning came down on him.
Within a split-second, Fahmy collapsed onto the ground.
But he miraculously survived the strike, and was seen limping back to his home to call for help.
He was heard breathlessly saying over and over again: 'Oh my god!'
In an interview with local media, Mr Fahmy said: '[It was a] very tense, burning sensation. Tingling, numbness, pain – severe pain in both of my feet.'
His neighbour Stephanie Homan, who came to Mr Fahmy's aid, said: 'I heard, "Help me, help me," so I ran to my door and saw him on the ground.'
Thomas Fahmy was hit by the bolt of electricity last Thursday as he made his way to his car which was parked outside his Staten Island home
As he walked away from his white picket fence, the lightning came down on him
Fahmy (pictured) miraculously survived the strike, and was seen limping back to his home to call for help
He did not suffer any visible burns or major injuries, but was taken to the nearby Northwell Staten Island University Hospital.
He stayed there overnight, being monitored by doctors before being released the following day.
Mr Fahmy works for US Representative Rep. Nicole Malliotakis's Staten Island office.
