Man Killed in Rare Lightning Strike at Wisconsin Gas Station
A routine stop turned into something unthinkable in Pewaukee, Wisconsin after a truck driver was struck by lightning in a gas station parking lot.
According to Waukesha Police, the incident happened around 7:45pm Wednesday, April 15th, during a stretch of heavy rain, thunder, and lightning moving through the area. The man had been walking through the parking lot of a Kwik Trip when lightning struck nearby. The National Weather Service later confirmed the location was hit during the storm.
Man Killed in Rare Lightning Strike at Wisconsin Gas Station
Emergency calls described the man collapsing and becoming unresponsive, with early reports suggesting he may have been struck. Before first responders arrived, witnesses in the parking lot jumped to in to attempt CPR, doing everything they could to safe his life. Police and fire crews then took over life-saving efforts and rushed the man to a nearby hospital.
Despite the efforts, he later died from his injuries.
While lightning strikes might seem like something out of a movie, they do happen. And they can be very deadly.
The CDC reports 10% of lightning strike victims die, and 444 deaths related to lightning were recorded in the U.S. between 2006 and 2021 [people]
Events like this are incredibly rare, but they're a reminder of how dangerous severe weather can be, especially in open areas like parking lots. Something as ordinary as walking to or from your vehicle can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation when storms roll through.
It's a tragic and sobering moment, and one that highlights just how unpredictable nature can really be.