Novi man survives lightning strike - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Novi man survives lightning strike

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NOVI, Mich. (WJBK) -

A Novi man is recovering after being struck by lightning during Friday's storms. He was leaning up against a truck when he was hit. Fox 2 talked to the victim and a friend who saw it happen.

Click on the video player to watch Maurielle Lue's report.

"I heard a big 'kaboom' and next thing you know I'm weak," said Larry Oberti. "I was just shaking like a leaf."

Larry and his neighbor, Lisa, may be a bit shaky on the details, but one thing they know for sure - just before Friday's big storm, Larry was struck by lightning.

"I don't remember anything of it," Larry told Fox 2. "I just got jolted."

Larry was leaning on a truck talking to Lisa when it happened. They knew the storm was coming but it hadn't hit yet. Only a rumble of thunder in the distance. Suddenly, they were surrounded by white hot light. It's something Lisa says you have to experience to explain.

"There's pressure everywhere and especially the chest. It was scary," she said. "He started walking at me and saying, 'Help me, help me,' and I started screaming for help."

Larry collapsed on the ground. He says the grill on the truck glowed orange. Dispatchers instructed Lisa not to touch Larry. Doctors say he's lucky to escape with nothing more than a little pain and a few bald spots.

"I have a slight burn on my hand and then down my arm any place that touched the truck," he said. "There's no hair. It's gone."

  • Maurielle LueMaurielle Lue

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