On 27 August a resident of Staten Island was walking toward his dentist when a sudden bright white flash struck him, sending him to the ground.
Thomas Fahmy, the victim, described the experience as horrific, saying it was unlike anything he had ever felt before. "I've never felt these sensations ever in my life," he told CBS News, noting the suddenness of the impact.
A nearby resident immediately called 911, and Fahmy was taken to a nearby hospital. He was treated for the shock and other effects, but did not suffer any serious injuries.
Safety experts advise keeping clear of open areas during thunderstorms and promptly seeking shelter or medical attention if struck.
