News Summary
A 15-year-old boy was struck by lightning while picnicking in Central Park during a severe thunderstorm. After seeking shelter under a tree, he collapsed due to a lightning strike. Emergency responders revived him, and he was treated for second-degree burns at a local hospital. Thankfully, his position under the tree prevented serious nerve damage. The incident highlights the dangers of taking shelter under trees during storms, as lightning strikes can be fatal. Khalifa’s family is relieved he will soon be released from the hospital as he recovers.
New York – A 15-year-old boy named Yassin Khalifa was struck by lightning while picnicking in Central Park on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 3:45 p.m. near East Drive and East 100th Street, happened during a severe thunderstorm that swept across New York City.
Khalifa and his friends sought refuge under a tree as the storm intensified. Witnesses reported a bright flash and a thunderclap just before Khalifa collapsed, leaving him unconscious on the ground. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and revived him.
After regaining consciousness, Khalifa was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where medical professionals treated him for second-degree burns on his neck and leg. Initial assessments indicated that his position against the tree during the lightning strike likely prevented nerve damage, allowing him to retain motor function.
Despite the frightening nature of the event, Khalifa expressed relief that he survived, noting that about 90% of people struck by lightning do make it through. Lightning strikes, while serious, typically result in non-fatal injuries, with about 30 deaths occurring each year in the United States due to such events.
The thunderstorm that struck Central Park also caused widespread disruptions across the Tri-State area, leading to power outages and property damage. In Queens, a large tree fell on a car, while other downed trees caused damage in Maspeth and Cranford, New Jersey. The National Weather Service had previously issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area at the time of the incident.
Upon learning of her brother’s accident, Khalifa’s sister and mother rushed to the hospital, sharing their concerns for his health and safety during the ordeal. Khalifa is anticipating a release from the hospital soon, possibly over the weekend, as he recovers from the incident.
This lightning strike highlights important safety concerns regarding seeking shelter under trees during storms. According to the National Weather Service, this behavior is one of the leading causes of fatalities from lightning strikes. Individuals are advised to seek more secure shelters, such as buildings or vehicles, when faced with severe weather conditions.
The swift response of emergency services and the medical staff at the hospital played a crucial role in Khalifa’s recovery and return to consciousness. As he looks forward to returning to his daily life, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of both weather and lightning-related accidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Lightning Strike
- CBS News
- Google Search: Lightning Safety
- ABC7 New York
- Google Scholar: Lightning Injuries
- People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- NBC New York
- Google News: Lightning Strikes
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
