Birmingham teen struck by lightning fights for life

Jun 29 2009 by Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

A BIRMINGHAM teenager left fighting for life after being struck by lightning suffered “massive scorch marks” over his body, it emerged today.

Mohammed Junaid Hussain was hit by the lightning bolt as he sheltered under a tree with pals after being caught in torrential storms while playing cricket in Small Heath Park. The 17-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest and serious burns and has yet to regain consciousness.

His parents were today continuing a vigil at his hospital bedside as the West Midlands braced itself for the possibility of further thunderstorms this evening.

Mohammed’s uncle Matloob Hussain: “His mother and father have been at his bedside since it happened. He has five brothers and two sisters who are all very worried.

“He hasn’t woken up at all since he was first rushed to hospital, he has been unconscious the whole time.

“He has massive scorch marks down the whole of his body, from the top of his head right down his legs. It’s terrible.

“We are all just hoping he is going to be okay. Doctors have said the next 24 hours are critical.”

The teenager, who lives near the park, was said to be in a critical but stable condition.

Another uncle Abid Hussain, aged 48, added: “Junaid is always in the park playing cricket or football, it’s when he’s at his happiest.”

Five other teenagers were also hurt by the lightning strike at about 4.50pm on Saturday.

Park keeper Vasan Maniam, said they were sheltering under a tree near the tennis courts, near to the entrance at Waverley Road.