Man Survives Direct Lightning Hit on Bangkok Flyover

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a rare and terrifying incident, a motorcyclist was seriously injured after being struck by lightning while riding across the Ratchavibha flyover in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities identified the victim as a 46-year-old delivery rider, who was navigating the elevated roadway amid heavy rainfall when a lightning bolt struck him directly, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle and crash.

Rescue teams from the Poh Tech Tung Foundation rushed to the scene and discovered the rider lying unconscious on his back.

Reports indicated a severe burn mark running from the left side of his neck down toward his chest, evidence of the powerful electrical strike.

Despite the shocking impact, the rider survived.

His family later confirmed that he is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, but is conscious, able to eat, and can communicate.  He reportedly feels pain and tightness in his face where the lightning struck, but remembers only a flash of light before losing consciousness, with no recollection of events that followed.

Doctors have kept him under close observation for at least 48 hours.

Experts have described the incident as extremely rare. According to an electrical engineering specialist, a direct lightning strike on a moving motorcyclist on an elevated bridge has not been previously recorded in Thailand. He explained that elevated structures such as flyovers act like tall conductors, making them more vulnerable during storms.

The expert further warned that the increasing frequency of intense, localized downpours, often referred to as “rain bombs”, is linked to climate change and can significantly increase the electrical charge within storm clouds, raising the likelihood of such unusual events.

Interestingly, the rider’s survival may be attributed to a phenomenon known as “flashover,” where the electrical current travels rapidly across the surface of the body rather than penetrating internal organs, often resulting in severe burns but sparing vital systems.

Authorities and experts are now urging caution during severe weather conditions. Motorcyclists are advised to avoid exposed elevated roads during storms, seek shelter under bridges where possible, and stay away from open areas, large isolated trees, or metal objects such as pointed umbrellas.