Fowler Associates Labs

Maine plumber zapped by lightning

August 7, 2007

Kittery, Maine-A plumber working in the basement of a new home at 4 Pettigrew Road was zapped by lightning Monday afternoon when the house was hit.

Scott Palmer of York was taken to York Hospital, where he was checked and later released, according to Kittery Police Sgt. Ron Michaud.

Palmer, 25, said his right arm looked "like a little Christmas tree" after he was struck by lightning. The plumber said he was standing in the basement of the new home under construction, when lightning struck the roof, flashed into the basement, into his right bicep and out his right foot.

"There was a lightning strike on a new structure on a modular home that they're setting, " said Michaud. "There was damage to part of the structure and the window."

Co-workers had already taken Palmer to the hospital before emergency crews arrived.