Teen injured after lightning strike in Central Park
- A teenager was injured by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm in Central Park.
- The boy, who was 15 years old, was standing under a tree when the strike occurred.
- Officials are urging the public to take precautions during thunderstorms to stay safe.
On June 19, 2025, a severe thunderstorm swept through New York City, leading to a dangerous situation in Central Park where a young boy was struck by lightning. The incident occurred around 3:40 p.m. along East Drive near East 100th Street, just moments after the New York Police Department received reports of injuries caused by lightning strikes in the area. Reports confirmed that the boy was standing under a tree at the time of the strike, which resulted in both the tree and him being hit. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, providing medical assistance to the boy before transporting him to Weill Cornell Medical Center. The 15-year-old victim was conscious while being rushed to the hospital. Sources indicated that he suffered injuries to his neck but was in stable condition after arriving at the medical facility. At the time of this event, much of the Northeast was under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, with warnings in place due to the storm's severity. Officials are advocating for caution during thunderstorms, reminding the public that being able to hear thunder indicates a risk of lightning strikes and advising people to seek shelter indoors. In response to the thunderstorm, New York City Emergency Management recommended that both residents and visitors avoid open areas like parks during such weather conditions. Lightning poses an unpredictable threat, and even if the clouds appear to clear, the risk remains due to storms occurring several miles away. As thunderstorms became more common in the region, the National Weather Service emphasized facing the dangers that accompany these severe weather conditions, as more unsettled weather was anticipated later in the evening. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that accompany thunderstorms, particularly regarding lightning strikes. As monitoring systems and alert systems improve, individuals are encouraged to stay informed and follow safety protocols during severe weather events to minimize injuries and protect lives.