A staff member for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., was reportedly struck by lightning while walking to a dental appointment on Staten Island, with the terrifying incident captured on surveillance video.
Thomas Fahmy was walking through the Todt Hill neighborhood on Aug. 27 when the lightning bolt suddenly hit him, according to video obtained by WNBC and later shown on Fox News.
Fahmy told the station that he was only about 15 or 20 feet away from his vehicle when the strike occurred.
The dramatic footage shows Fahmy casually walking along the sidewalk while carrying an umbrella as rainy weather moved through the area. Without warning, a loud, heart-stopping noise echoes through the neighborhood as fire appears to crackle through the air.
Fahmy is then seen collapsing to the ground immediately after being struck.
Despite the force of the lightning bolt and his sudden fall, Fahmy said he remained conscious during the entire ordeal. He recalled experiencing an overwhelming physical reaction as the electricity traveled through him.
Fahmy described feeling “this very intense burning sensation” after the strike, along with tingling, numbness and severe pain in both of his feet.
The congressional staffer was able to get back on his feet following the initial shock. Fearing another lightning strike could put his life in danger again, he made his way toward a nearby house to seek assistance.
Video from the scene showed Fahmy reaching the residence, climbing the front steps and ringing the doorbell as he desperately called out for help.
“I was afraid that another strike would happen, and really my life would be in danger again,” Fahmy told WNBC.
Stephanie Homan, who lived at the home, heard Fahmy’s calls and quickly went to the door.
“I heard, ‘Help me, help me,’ so I ran to my door and saw him on the ground,” Homan told the station.
Homan rushed to assist Fahmy after discovering him outside her residence.
Fahmy was subsequently transported to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where medical personnel treated him for injuries sustained during the lightning strike.
He remained at the hospital overnight and was released the following day, according to WNBC.
Malliotakis issued a statement after the frightening incident, expressing relief that Fahmy had survived and thanking both Homan and the hospital employees who helped 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.
The Republican congresswoman also recognized Homan for immediately coming to Fahmy’s aid when he called for help.
“I thank the Good Samaritan who ran to his aid and the medical staff at Staten Island University Hospital who treated him,” Malliotakis added.
The surveillance footage captured the full sequence, from Fahmy’s walk along the sidewalk to the violent lightning strike, his collapse and his effort to find help at the nearby home.
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