Thomas Fahmy, a congressional caseworker, was struck by lightning in Staten Island, New York, on August 27, while returning to his car after a dental appointment. He survived without injuries and, the next day, bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket, which he did not win.
Doorbell camera captures the strike
Home doorbell camera footage shows Fahmy suddenly collapsing on the pavement in Castleton Corners as several loud bangs are heard. He told CBS News that he felt 'numbness, tingling and pain' in both of his feet when he was struck.
'I was beginning to scream, "Help, help, help," because of just, I was so confused and I was so much in pain,' he said. 'I was very scared that I would be struck by lightning again… Just a harrowing, crazy, miraculous, every type of feeling emotion you could feel.'
Homeowner helps and emergency guidance
Homeowner Stefanie Homan heard Fahmy's pleas and came to the door, with the video showing her letting him inside. Emergency operators told her there wasn't much she could do to help him, warning her that Fahmy must not touch water or eat food.
Fahmy added to WABC that he never fell unconscious and spent 12 hours in the hospital, having a series of blood tests before being discharged. Doctors told him he suffered no injuries or burns and only had to drink some liquids when he got home.
Odds and aftermath
Before heading home, Fahmy tried his luck on the Mega Millions lottery but didn't win. 'I won a second opportunity at life, that's it,' he said to CBS News.
According to the National Weather Service, the odds of being struck by lightning in any given year are less than one in a million. Winning the Mega Millions jackpot, meanwhile, is one in 290,000,000. Fahmy returned to work within a week of the incident.
Homan was honoured with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Representative Nicole Malliotakis, for whom Fahmy does casework. The Republican politician said it was a local instinct to 'run to help people'. She said: 'Always help someone in need and just spread the kindness of that.'
