New York Man Survives Lightning Strike, Works for Congresswoman

A New York man has survived a powerful lightning strike while walking to a dentist appointment during a thunderstorm. Thomas Fahmy was struck last Thursday as he was walking to his car outside his Staten Island home.

CCTV footage captured the moment a lightning bolt hit Fahmy, causing him to collapse on the ground. Within seconds of falling, Fahmy was seen limping back to his home to call for assistance. He was heard exclaiming "Oh my god!" repeatedly.

In an interview, Fahmy described the experience as "a very tense, burning sensation. Tingling, numbness, pain - severe pain in both of my feet." A neighbor, Stephanie Homan, heard his calls for help and went to his aid.

Fahmy was transported to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he remained overnight for observation before being released on Friday. He did not appear to suffer major injuries or visible burns.

Fahmy is employed by U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis in her Staten Island office. Malliotakis released a statement expressing gratitude for Fahmy's survival and thanking the neighbor who assisted him and the hospital staff.

"We are grateful that Thomas, a member of my congressional staff is alive and well after being struck by lightning last week," the statement read. "I thank the Good Samaritan who ran to his aid and the medical staff at Staten Island University Hospital who treated him."

Fahmy, who identified himself as a man of faith, stated that the incident has altered his perspective on life, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life and not becoming overwhelmed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 37 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. annually. The likelihood of being struck by lightning is less than one in a million, and about 90 percent of those struck survive.

In a separate incident last month in Florida, a two-year-old child died after being struck by lightning alongside her mother in Margate, near Fort Lauderdale. Both victims were pronounced deceased after life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.