An Alabama firefighter who has already endured a series of terrifying accidents is counting his blessings after surviving another life-threatening incident — this time involving a lightning strike during his daughter’s birthday celebration.
James Lawley, 36, from Joppa, said he is grateful to be alive after a lightning bolt struck his SUV, travelled through his body and continued into a nearby Cullman County firetruck on Sunday.
The shocking incident happened exactly one year after Lawley survived another freak accident when a firework exploded in his face.
Lightning bolt travels through vehicle and strikes firefighter
Lawley recalled the frightening moment when the lightning hit, saying the first thing he remembered was grabbing his chest and realizing something had happened.
“The only thing that I remember is just grabbing my chest and saying that I’m hit, I’m hit,” he told WVTM 13.
Emergency responders who treated him said he was extremely fortunate to have survived.
The EMT who assisted Lawley explained that the fact the lightning strike was indirect may have played a major role in saving his life.
Lawley agreed that the secondary impact was likely what helped him survive the powerful electrical shock.
“That’s probably the only thing that saved me,” he said.
Firefighter jokes he has used up most of his luck
Despite the terrifying experience, Lawley has managed to find humour in his unusual streak of bad luck.
The firefighter joked that after surviving the lightning strike, he now believes he only has a few lives left.
He also joked that he may need to wear bubble wrap during next year’s celebrations to prevent another unexpected accident.
“I don’t know if it’s the fifth of July or what, but I’m unlucky on that day,” he said.
Previous firework accident left him injured
Lawley’s latest ordeal came almost exactly a year after another painful incident involving fireworks.
During a previous celebration, a firework had fallen onto its side.
When Lawley attempted to turn it upright, it suddenly exploded directly into his face.
The blast left him with an injury near his nose that required stitches.
Because of that experience, Lawley and his family decided to avoid fireworks during this year’s celebration.
However, despite staying away from fireworks, he still ended up facing another dangerous situation when lightning struck during his daughter’s birthday party.
“We avoided fireworks that whole day because of that, and then at the end of the day, I get struck by lightning,” he said.
Chemotherapy journey adds to firefighter’s challenges
Alongside surviving two unusual accidents, Lawley has also been undergoing chemotherapy since 2021 while managing an autoimmune condition.
The firefighter has continued pushing forward despite the health challenges and unexpected emergencies that have come his way.
After the lightning strike, Lawley said his body felt as though he had completed an intense workout.
“That’s how my body felt for about three days afterwards,” he explained.
Lawley remains thankful despite repeated struggles
While the firefighter can now laugh about his extraordinary run of misfortune, he said the experiences have reminded him not to take his safety for granted.
After surviving a fireworks explosion, a lightning strike and ongoing medical treatment, Lawley remains thankful to be alive and surrounded by his family.
Although he hopes his streak of accidents is finally over, he is already preparing for next year’s celebrations with a little extra caution.
