During his 71 years of life, from 1912 to 1983, Sullivan miraculously survived when he had a special “fate” with lightning. In fact, he once said that when he was a child, he was also struck by lightning once but did not remember exactly.

1942

The first time Sullivan was struck by lightning was in a tower that did not have a lightning rod installed. The tower was struck by lightning about 7 times, and as a result, fire broke out everywhere. Mr. Roy Sullivan ran out in a normal course of action in the face of the fire. But was immediately hit by what he later called the most painful lightning strike he had ever experienced, burning a strip down his foot and puncturing a hole in his shoe, causing blood to begin to flow.

1969

This time driving down a mountain road, Sullivan saw lightning hitting two trees on the side of the road. Typically, a car will act as a metal cage directing the discharge current to the ground.

However, at that time, Sullivan lowered the window again, the charge passed through the window after the window, and Sullivan was struck by lightning a second time. This time, Roy Sullivan’s eyebrows and hair fell out, the watch was on. hand is destroyed. Roy Sullivan was knocked unconscious by lightning, rolling into a ditch.

1970

A year later, Sullivan was struck by lightning again while gardening. This time lightning hit him directly in the shoulder and Roy Sullivan is said to have been thrown into the sky.

1972

Being struck by lightning has become the norm for Roy Sullivan. This time on Loftft Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, where he is a ranger. Roy Sullivan was struck by lightning while in a watchtower.

Roy Sullivan recalled hearing the sizzling sound. But luckily, it was just his hair. After that, Roy Sullivan still took the initiative to get to the hospital.

1973

Sullivan has started having dreams of being struck by lightning, which is an omen, but logically it is not too strange because he has been struck by lightning four times before.

While trying to weather a storm, Sullivan thought the cloud seemed to be chasing him. He finally escaped it when he got in the car, but when he got out again he was struck by lightning again. This time the lightning moved down the left side of Roy Sullivan’s body.

1976

Three years later, Roy Sullivan was struck by lightning again and injured his ankle while trying to run away. Roy Sullivan’s hair also caught fire, but instead of cutting it, he decided… let it go.

1977

The last lightning strike with Roy Sullivan took place near a large lake while he was fishing. The lightning ignited Roy Sullivan’s hair before traveling down his body burning his chest and abdomen.

In 1983, at the age of 71, Mr. Roy took his own life with a gunshot for unknown reasons.

Until now, Sullivan still holds the record for the person who was struck by lightning the most times and still survived.

Things to do to avoid the risk of being struck by lightning

The best way to avoid lightning is to stay indoors, especially in solid buildings, with lightning protection (lightning) systems installed. When indoors, you should stay away from windows, doors, electrical appliances, avoid wet places such as bathrooms, water tanks, faucets, should not use phones unless absolutely necessary.

Unnecessary electrical appliances should be unplugged during thunderstorms. With telephone lines or power lines, because they are connected to the outside grid, they are likely to be affected by lightning strikes. These wires and electrical objects should be kept at least 1m away.

In case you have to go out or can’t go into the house to avoid lightning, you should avoid carrying metal objects, don’t use cell phones, etc. In particular, absolutely do not shelter from the rain under trees. especially big trees. In addition, it is also necessary to stay away from metal objects such as bicycles, motorbikes, iron fences, do not stand in a higher position around (such as on a dike slope) …

If you cannot find a safe place to hide, you must find a way to keep the person as low as possible, arms around the neck. The part of the person in contact with the ground is the least, by standing or kneeling on tiptoes, absolutely not lying on the ground.

Do not stand in groups of people close to each other. If you feel your hair stand up (like an electrical sensation when you touch your hand in front of the TV), it means that you could be struck by lightning at any time. Immediately crouch down and cover your ears with your hands, do not lie on the ground or put your hands on the ground.

For objects with metal surfaces such as buses, trains, cars,… if you don’t stick people out and don’t touch the cover, these places are safe. In contrast, for cars and ships that are exposed or do not have metal covers, it is dangerous.

Especially if you meet someone who has been hit by a lightning accident, it is necessary to perform first aid (artificial respiration, heart massage if the victim stops heart, stops breathing) and immediately take them to the nearest medical facility for resuscitation. timely efforts to avoid unfortunate situations that may occur.