Teen miraculously survives lightning strike in Central Park
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/central-park-lightning-strike-2-062025-6c407e24410f430abaf3b489d28a28a0.jpg)
Yassin Khalifa, a 15-year-old high school student from New York City, recently found himself in a life-threatening situation when he was struck by lightning while enjoying a picnic with friends in Central Park. The incident occurred during a severe thunderstorm that took place on Thursday, June 19. Despite the terrifying experience, Khalifa is now on the road to recovery after sustaining second-degree burns from the lightning strike.
According to reports from WABC-TV New York and The New York Times, Khalifa and his friends had gathered near the East Meadow in Central Park when the storm unexpectedly rolled in. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Khalifa sought shelter under a tree as the rain poured down around them. Little did he know that this choice would place him in the direct path of danger.
As the thunder roared and the lightning cracked, a bolt struck the very tree Khalifa was leaning against, rendering him unconscious momentarily. Fortunately, emergency services were quick to respond, and Khalifa was soon taken to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment. Despite the intensity of the strike, Khalifa remained optimistic, acknowledging that the outcome could have been far worse.
In a statement to WABC-TV, Khalifa shared, “Apparently, I’m pretty lucky because my spine was directly against the tree and no nerve damage happened. So, I’m pretty happy about that.” His positive outlook in the face of such a harrowing ordeal is truly inspiring and a testament to his resilience.
The risk of lightning strikes is not to be underestimated, with statistics showing that one in ten individuals struck by lightning do not survive the encounter. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of weather-related phenomena, urging caution and vigilance, especially during thunderstorms.
The thunderstorm that struck Manhattan on that fateful day was part of a broader pattern of severe weather that swept across the East Coast, impacting several states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The sudden and intense nature of these weather events underscores the importance of being prepared and staying informed during adverse weather conditions.
Khalifa’s miraculous survival has garnered attention and highlighted the importance of safety measures during storms. As he continues his recovery journey, his story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us of the fragility of life and the miracles that can unfold even in the face of grave danger. In the midst of uncertainty, Khalifa’s unwavering spirit shines through as a source of inspiration for all.