HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A child was seriously injured inside his own home Tuesday night when lightning struck the property and sent a powerful electrical surge racing through the walls.
The incident happened in the 14400 block of Cypress View Drive in northwest Harris County.
According to Harris County Constable Precinct 4 officials, the lightning strike caused an electrical current to surge through the home’s wiring system. The boy, the homeowner’s son, was sitting at a computer when the current reached him — electrocuting him where he sat.
The same surge ignited a small fire in the attic.
Emergency Crews Rushed to the Scene
First responders arrived at the home shortly after the strike. EMS personnel began evaluating the child at the scene.
His current condition has not been officially confirmed, and an investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing.
A Reminder of a Danger Many Overlook
Most people know not to stand outside during a thunderstorm. But this incident is a stark reminder that the danger does not stop at the front door.
Lightning can travel through a home’s electrical wiring, phone lines, and plumbing — putting anyone indoors at risk if they are in contact with a device or appliance during a strike.
Safety experts recommend unplugging electronics and avoiding their use during active thunderstorms, even when inside.
For a family in northwest Harris County, that warning came too late on Tuesday night.
Have you or someone you know had a close call during a storm? Share your experience in the comments below.
