Teen survives lightning strike
Posted October 20, 2007 11:00 pm
A 14-year-old Chicago boy now belongs to an exclusive club.
Jason Torres was struck by lightning and lived to tell about it.
He was struck as he rode a bike during storms Thursday. Torres says he doesn't remember the actual strike, but he felt pain along his back -- as if someone had slapped him hard.
The National Lightning Safety Institute says about 700 Americans are hit by lightning each year. About 100 die.
Torres spent several hours at a hospital and was released with minor injuries, including a five-inch burn mark.
Experts say Torres' story should dispel at least one myth: That rubber bicycle tires can protect riders from lightning.
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.