A U.S. man survived a lightning strike on Staten Island that was captured by a nearby doorbell security camera.
Thomas Fahmy was walking to his car for a dentist appointment along Todt Hill Road near Windsor Road on Thursday, 27 August 2026, when lightning struck his foot and threw him to the ground.
Despite the intense shock, the congressional staffer never lost consciousness. He described the immediate physical sensation as severe pain, numbness, tingling and a burning feeling.
“My feet felt so numb it was as if I were walking on balloons,” Fahmy said.
He managed to get to his feet and reach a neighbour, Stephanie Homan, who heard him screaming and called 911. He was rushed to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital.
Multiple medical examinations revealed no visible burns or major internal injuries. He was kept overnight for observation and discharged the following day.
“Once the lightning bolt struck me, the initial sensations that I had throughout my whole body were completely unprecedented: tingling, numbness, pain, just this burning sensation. No burns. I had multiple body exams; no burns at all,” Fahmy said.
Fahmy expressed deep spiritual gratitude following his survival, buying a Mega Millions lottery ticket on Saturday and attending church on Sunday, August 30, 2026 to publicly thank God for what he considers a definitive second chance at life. His dentist’s office also waived the $50 missed-appointment fee after hearing what happened.
Fahmy has returned to his normal activities. He said he is grateful for survival and is focused on resuming work.
