Struck by Lightning

"A typical lightning strike, by contrast, transmits 100 million volts or more. But lightning races through the body in milliseconds, and therefore often spares it. Some people black out instantly upon being struck. Others recall the moment vividly, as if in slow motion: the flash of light whiting out all vision; the sound, which many survivors say is the loudest they've ever heard."

"The severity of the resulting injury depends on, among countless other variables, how the electricity enters the body, and where, and the path the current takes through it. Direct strikes are the deadliest, but most strikes are indirect-a side flash coming off a tree, a current running through the ground, a streamer rising up from below-and most people survive these."

"Lightning, in addition to being very bright and very loud, is very hot-the air around it can hit temperatures about five times hotter than the surface of the sun-and so it can singe or burn people. The shock wave from the strike can fling victims a great distance, breaking bones or causing concussions as they land."

Lightning strikes deliver vastly more voltage than defibrillators or electric chairs, yet often spare the body due to their millisecond duration. Survivors experience highly variable sensations—some lose consciousness instantly while others recall vivid details including blinding light, extreme noise, and sensations ranging from no pain to excruciating burning. Injury severity depends on how electricity enters the body, entry location, and current path. Direct strikes are deadliest, though most strikes are indirect. Immediate damage includes burns from extreme heat, shock wave injuries causing broken bones or concussions, and distinctive Lichtenberg figures on skin. Mysteriously, many survivors show no visible injuries, and Lichtenberg figures typically disappear within days.

Read at The Atlantic