13-YEAR-OLD TEXAS BOY STRUCK BY LIGHTNING IN HIS BEDROOM WHILE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES

A 13-year-old teen in Cypress survived a freak lightning strike that traveled through his home's wiring and hit his stomach.

Your bedroom is supposed to be the safest place in the world. But one Texas teenager found out that even your own desk can turn against you during a storm.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Tuesday, 13-year-old Vlad Skuridin was playing video games in his room in Cypress, Texas. He was sitting at his desk, and a metal part of it was touching his skin.

Without warning, lightning hit a tree outside. The power shot through his home's wires and right into his desk.

The shock hit Vlad in his stomach, making him jump and scream. Firefighters rushed to the home and put out a small fire in the attic. Luckily, medical teams checked Vlad and found he did not even need to go to the hospital.

FACT BOX

• Age of victim: 13 years old
• Location: Cypress, Texas
• Date of strike: Tuesday
• Injuries: No major injuries, just dizziness
• Property damage: A small attic fire and a hole in the wall

WHY IT MATTERS

Many people think they are safe from storms as long as they are indoors. This rare accident shows how easily lightning can travel through a house.

Simple metal items like desks or computers can become dangerous paths for electricity during a storm.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Vlad is resting at home and says he has a new outlook on life. He wants to be kinder to others because life can change in a second.

Local police are warning families to stay away from corded items when storms are overhead.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

• What video game system was Vlad using when the lightning hit?
• How much will it cost the family to repair the attic and wall?
• Will the family change how their home is wired to prevent this from happening again?