Novi man survives lightning strike - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Novi man survives lightning strike

Posted: Updated:
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

  • Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
    The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
    The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
    13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
    13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
    Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
    Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:01:11 GMT
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
    The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
    The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices