A Staten Island man is sharing his remarkable story of survival after he was struck by lightning just feet from his car, with surveillance video capturing the moment he suddenly collapsed to the ground.
Thomas Fahmy said he was walking along Todt Hill Road near Windsor Road last Thursday, just about 15 to 25 feet from his car, when he was struck.
Surveillance video shows Fahmy sudden drop to the ground after the lightning strike. He said he felt an intense shock throughout his body.
“Just tense, very tense, burning sensation. Tingling, numbness, pain severe pain, in both my feet,” Fahmy said.
Despite the pain, Fahmy said he never lost consciousness. Video shows him managing to get back on his feet and walking toward a nearby home in search of help. He feared he might get struck again.
Stefanie Homan was inside the home and came to Fahmy’s aid.
Fahmy was taken to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he was monitored overnight before being released the following day.
Fahmy works at U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ Staten Island office. The congresswoman released a statement Monday expressing relief that he survived.
“We are grateful that Thomas, a member of my congressional staff is alive and well after being struck by lightning last week. I thank the Good samaritan who ran to his aid and the medical staff at Staten Island University Hospital who treated him.”
Fahmy said he suffered no visible burns or major injuries from the lightning strike. The experience has also changed the way Fahmy, who describes himself as a man of faith, looks at his life.
“Just to appreciate life, smile and breathe fresh airs once in a while and don’t let life overwhelm you,” Fahmy said.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.