'It's Not Luck, I'm Blessed': New York Man Survived Lightning Strike Caught on Camera and Suffered No Burns

Thomas Fahmy says he is 'blessed' to be alive after a lightning strike caught on a home security camera knocked him to the ground on a Staten Island street, left him with no burns and saw him walk away without major injury.

The 24-year-old congressional staffer was heading to a dentist appointment during a storm on Thursday, 27 August 2026, when a bright flash lit up Todt Hill Road in the Castleton Corners area and he suddenly collapsed, footage shows.

Fahmy, who works for US Representative Nicole Malliotakis, was taken to hospital for overnight observation and released the following day. He said the experience had given him a renewed sense of faith and gratitude for his life.

Lightning Strike Caught on Camera

Fahmy had left his home and was heading towards his car when lightning struck. He stated that he was only about 15 to 25 feet from the vehicle at the time.

The footage captures him falling after the flash. Although the incident happened during a storm, Fahmy remained conscious and was able to get back on his feet.

He said he had initially struggled to understand what had happened as he felt a powerful sensation move through his body. Fahmy stated: 'This very intense burning sensation. Tingling, numbness, pain, severe pain, in both my feet.'

He then walked towards a nearby home to ask for help. A resident heard him and assisted before emergency responders were called.

Taken to Hospital Overnight

Fahmy was transported to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he was monitored overnight after the incident. He said medical staff performed several checks and found no visible burns.

He was released the following day and said he had not suffered any major injuries, despite the pain and numbness he felt immediately after the strike.

'No burns. I had multiple body exams, no burns at all,' Fahmy said.

Lightning injuries can vary, and someone can appear to have no obvious outward injury while still requiring urgent medical assessment. Fahmy's overnight observation allowed doctors to monitor him following the incident.

The video drew attention after it was shared online, with viewers seeing Fahmy collapse seconds after the flash before he was able to stand and seek assistance.

'Not Luck, I'm Blessed': Faith After the Strike

In the days after the incident, Fahmy said his survival had changed how he viewed everyday life. He told ABC News that he did not see his survival as luck.

'I think it's not luck — I think blessed,' Fahmy said. 'There's a good chance that I wouldn't be here now, but because of grace, by grace, I'm here.'

Fahmy said he attended church on the Sunday after the strike to express his gratitude. 'I went on church Sunday to say thank you God,' he said.

He encouraged people to take a moment to appreciate their lives and not allow daily pressures to take over. 'Just to appreciate life, smile and breathe fresh air once in a while and don't let life overwhelm you,' Fahmy said.

Fahmy works in the Staten Island office of Malliotakis, the Republican US representative whose district includes Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn. Malliotakis said she was relieved that he had survived and thanked the person who came to his aid, as well as the medical workers who treated him.

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

Lightning Risk: Rare but Potentially Deadly

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says lightning can cause severe injury and death, even though most people who are struck survive. The agency estimates that about 37 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year.

The CDC says the chance of being struck by lightning in a given year is less than one in a million. Nearly 90% of people struck by lightning survive, though they can face serious immediate or long-term health effects.

For Fahmy, the incident has become a reminder to slow down and value ordinary moments. 'It's not luck, I'm blessed,' he said.