Monday, August 3, 2009

What Not to Do in a Storm

Remember when you were a child and learned not to stand under trees in a lightning storm? This guy forgot.
Brad Gifford, 38, was sheltering under a tree during a thunder storm when the bolt struck his right lobe, travelled through his body and left via his left ankle.

The bricklayer suffered 11 per cent burns to his body, across his shoulder, groin and left leg, and only realised what had happened when he woke up the next day in intensive care.

His friend, also stupidly standing under a tree, described seeing a blinding flash of light that ignited Gifford. He called it "the most terrifying thing I've ever seen." 

It's pretty difficult to get yourself struck by lightning. But standing under trees during thunderstorms is a good way to improve the odds.

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