Here’s what we know about the teen struck by lightning during a freak storm in Central Park

A teenage boy was struck by lightning in Central Park yesterday after taking shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm.

He suffered injuries to his neck when the bolt hit just before 3pm, with officials saying he was “lucky to be alive”.

Here’s everything we know about the incident so far.

The teenager was struck under a tree when lightning hit his metal chain

The 15-year-old teen, who was near 101st Street and Fifth Avenue, was standing under a tree when a bolt struck just before 3:45pm local time on Thursday, CBS News reported. He was reportedly wearing a metal chain, which police believe the lightning may have hit directly.

Police confirmed he was conscious, sitting upright against a mesh fence when he was found in the popular tourist attraction located in the middle of Manhattan.

“We found him sitting on the path right there”, a police officer told The Daily News. “He was still conscious. He’s lucky to be alive.”

Sources also claim the lightning hit the metal chain around his neck, WITH THE lightning’s electric current moving from a tree to the boy’s jewellery.

He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was treated for injuries to his neck and is said to be in a stable condition. His name has not been released.

The incident happened as a huge storm hit New York – and no one was ready for it

@sam.a6346

big storm In New York #storm#nyc#nycstormttenderstormn#newyorkcityw#weatherreportw#weatherupdate

♬ original sound – Sam A

The lightning bolt in New York came during a sudden summer storm that swept through Manhattan and Brooklyn, catching lots of people off guard. The downpour flooded roads, caused power cuts, and left streets covered in fallen trees and debris.

Most Read

Emilie Kiser’s husband shares exact details of how son Trigg drowned in police interview

The best three UK unis for each subject in 2026, according to the Complete University Guide

The absolute worst unis in the UK right now according to the Complete University Guide

Some residents came home to scenes straight out of a disaster film, one man found a tree collapsed onto his mum’s car, while another described watching tree roots tear up the pavement before his house lost power. TikToks show footage of heavy downpour, as well as the aftermath of collapsed trees following the intense weather.

@madeinbrooklynx3

Powerlines and trees are down in Maspeth, NY after a severe thunderstorm on 6/19/25 #queens #nyc #thunderstorm #tree #fyp #news #damage #storm

♬ Danger – SoundAudio

It’s rare, but not impossible for lightning to strike people

While it sounds incredibly unlikely, lightning does strike people – just not very often.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chances of being struck are less than one in a million. Most people survive, with more than 90 percent of lightning strike victims living through the incident.

And whilst metal doesn’t attract lightning on its own, it can make a strike more dangerous if you’re already in a risky spot, such as out in the open. Metal jewellery, like neck chains, can concentrate the energy in one area, which might explain why the boy suffered neck injuries.

The boy expected to recover, but it’s a serious reminder about storm safety

The teenager is expected to make a full recovery, with the extent of his injuries being burns to his neck. The incident highlights just how dangerous lightning strikes can be, especially during sudden summer storms.

Experts issued advice after the teenager was hit by a lightning bolt in New York City, urging people to avoid open spaces and not sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, which are common targets for lightning. Wearing metal items like chains can also increase the risk of injury if you’re struck.

They also explained the safest option is to head indoors as quickly as possible during a storm and avoid anything that could conduct electricity.

Featured image via Unsplash and TikTok