A Shocking Experience

Lightning usually strikes tall objects or metal. It also strikes about 2,500 people every year. A lot of those people, approximately 94%, survive their 100-million-volt experience. These are the stories of two lucky lightning survivors.

Steve Marshburn was working in an office. He was near a metal window when lightning struck it. The lightning also struck Steve. He wasn’t touching the window, but he had a metal object in his hand. His colleagues were looking at him, but they didn’t want to touch him because they were frightened.

Arnold Hanson, another victim, was walking in a field when lightning struck him. It lifted him 45 cm in the air. His twelve-year-old-son, Dale, saw the accident and helped Arnold.

The victims of lightning often have problems after their experience. Steve and Arnold can’t remember things and they find it difficult to sleep. Other victims never feel cold. Their advice? Don’t stand near tall objects or metal, and don’t walk or play sport in a storm!