Teen Survives Lightning Strike in His Bedroom
A 13-year-old boy from Cypress, Texas, is counting his blessings after being struck by lightning inside his bedroom while playing video games. Vlad Skuridin was at his desk on Tuesday when a bolt of lightning hit a nearby tree and traveled into his home, striking him through a metal piece of his desk that was touching his skin.
“I was just sitting here, everything was going fine. I was playing video games; I was not expecting anything,” Vlad told KPRC 2 News. “I just jumped out really fast, and I started screaming. It was crazy. I honestly thought I was gonna die.”
Lightning Travels Through Home’s Wiring
The Skuridin family believes the lightning struck a tree in their yard, and the electrical current traveled through the ground and into their home. The bolt then passed through the metal desk component into Vlad’s abdomen. The electrical surge also ignited a small fire in the family’s attic, which investigators attributed to the lightning traveling through the home’s wiring system.
Vlad’s father immediately called 911, and firefighters and police responded quickly. The fire caused only minor damage, including a hole in the wall. Emergency medical crews evaluated Vlad at the scene and determined he did not need hospital treatment.
Teen Feels Lucky to Be Alive
“I don’t know how I survived it,” Vlad said. “I’m feeling fine, but I’m still a little shocked and dizzy.” He added that the experience has given him a new perspective: “Anything can happen at any moment. You just got to be nice to everybody. It can end whenever. It can end whenever you want, man.”
Following the incident, Mark Herman of the Harris County Constable Precinct 4 issued a safety reminder for the community as more storms were forecast. “During thunderstorms, avoid using corded electronics and stay away from electrical wiring and plumbing, as lightning can travel through a home’s electrical system,” the Precinct wrote on Facebook.
