A congressional staffer for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) has survived a lightning strike on Staten Island, with chilling footage capturing the moment the bolt hit. Thomas Fahmy was walking to a dentist appointment in the Castleton Corners neighborhood during a storm on Thursday when he was struck by lightning. Video obtained by WNBC shows Fahmy, who was carrying an umbrella, collapsing to the ground after the strike.
Fahmy, who was about 15 to 20 feet from his car at the time, remained conscious and described the experience as a "very intense burning sensation, tingling, numbness, pain. Severe pain in both of my feet." He called for help and was discovered by a neighbor who then contacted 911.
He was transported to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he was kept for observation and released the following day. Medical examinations revealed no burns or serious injuries. Fahmy expressed gratitude for his survival, stating, "I went on church Sunday to say thank you God."
Malliotakis commended her staffer, calling him a "valued member of our Staten Island office." She also thanked the "good Samaritan and medical staff at Staten Island University Hospital who helped him get emergency care."
Following the incident, Fahmy purchased a Mega Millions lottery ticket, but did not win the jackpot. He shared a new perspective on life, saying, "Just to appreciate life, smile and breathe fresh airs once in a while and don’t let life overwhelm you."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the odds of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million, and approximately 90 percent of victims survive. Lightning strikes the ground in the U.S. more than 37 million times annually.