A severe storm in Hooksett, New Hampshire, on Saturday evening resulted in a critical lightning strike incident. As reported by CBS News Boston, two individuals were making their way to their car from a residence on Morningside Drive when, one was hit by a bolt of lightning. The Hooksett fire captain, Joseph Stalker, confirmed the situation, noting that the other person was not injured by the strike.
Emergency services responded to the scene after the incident, which occurred around 9 p.m. The person who was struck sustained critical injuries and received advanced life support measures before being transported to Elliot Hospital in Manchester. Subsequently, the victim was flown by medical helicopter to the burn center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston for specialized care. According to a NBC Boston report, no details about the patient's identity have been released, and Hooksett police deferred all inquiries to fire officials.
The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Hooksett area that night, cautioning of lightning, strong wind gusts, and small hail. Experts say that while the odds of the average person in the U.S. being hit by lightning in their lifetime are about 1 in 15,300, around 90% of those struck by lightning survive despite potential long-term effects, such as memory issues and heart problems.
New Hampshire has not recorded a lightning fatality since 1994, as noted by the National Lightning Safety Council. The rarity of such events, however, provides little solace to those affected. The Hooksett Fire Department's first responders remained onsite until around 10:30 p.m., ensuring that the second individual at the scene, who remained unharmed, was assessed and provided with necessary support.
