Construction truck struck not once, but twice, by lightning with worker inside

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - At a construction site in Colorado, a man’s truck was struck by lightning not just once but two times while he was inside of it.

The man, who remained unidentified, was working at a site in the Security-Widefield area, according to the Security Fire Department.

While he was working inside the truck, it was struck by a bolt of lightning. Within 10 minutes, he attempted to get out of the truck before it was struck for a second time.

“He was really shaken and nervous,” Darla Wooden, the man’s mother, said.

Fortunately, he was able to escape from the truck without any injuries.

Wooden said the strength of the lightning blew off the rims of the truck’s tires. She said it sounded like a bomb, then all they could see was smoke.

The workers sought shelter while liquid spilled from the truck

Security Fire Department officers and paramedics arrived at the scene of the strike to assess the situation.

“I think it’s pretty rare, [to be struck by lightning], but it does happen, and fortunately for him, being inside the vehicle saved his life today,” Lt. Morgan Fullmer, of the Security Fire Department, said.

First responders determined the man was OK after doing an evaluation.

Fullmer said lightning often causes fires at homes near forests.

“It’s super common for fires to start in the forest by lightning, and it’s pretty rare that humans get involved as far as the lightning strikes go, but it is a concern,” he said. “It is something we deal with a couple of times a year, but usually the houses take the brunt of the damage.”

Fullmer said being in a vehicle can protect people from lightning because of the vehicle’s tires.

He said anytime someone is outside and can hear thunder, the threat of being struck by lightning can be possible.

“There are some great apps out there that tell you when lightning is in your area,” Fullmer said. “It’s good to subscribe to those and be aware while doing work or recreation.”

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