LAWLEY, Alabama — An Alabama man is counting himself incredibly fortunate after surviving two extraordinarily rare and potentially deadly accidents on the same holiday weekend in consecutive years. One year after a firework exploded in his face during his daughter’s birthday celebration, the man says he was struck by lightning on July 5 while standing near a vehicle and a fire truck.
The unusual series of events has left Lawley reflecting on just how unpredictable life can be. Despite suffering injuries in both incidents, he has recovered and is sharing his story as a reminder to appreciate every day.
Lightning Strike Came One Year After Firework Accident
According to WVTM, the latest incident occurred on July 5, when Lawley was outside near a car and a fire truck during stormy weather.
He said the lightning did not strike him directly but instead hit the nearby vehicle before the electrical current traveled through his body and into the fire engine.
“We avoided fireworks that whole day because of that, and then at the end of the day I get struck by lightning,” Lawley told the television station. “So I don’t know if it’s the fifth of July or what, but I’m unlucky on that day.”
The incident happened almost exactly one year after a separate accident involving fireworks during his daughter’s birthday celebration.
Lawley Recalls the Frightening Moment
Lawley said he immediately realized something had happened, although he did not initially understand what caused it.
“The only thing that I remember is just kind of grabbing my chest and saying, ‘I’m hit! I’m hit!'” he recalled. “I just didn’t know what was happening at the time.”
Emergency responders quickly evaluated him following the incident.
According to Lawley, an emergency medical technician later explained that he likely survived because the lightning strike was indirect.
EMT Says Secondary Strike Likely Saved His Life
Lawley said an EMT informed him that he experienced what is known as a secondary lightning strike, meaning the electrical current first struck another object before passing through him.
“Since it was a secondary hit, I wasn’t a primary strike, that’s probably the only thing that saved me,” he said.
Direct lightning strikes are significantly more dangerous and can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, neurological injuries and other life-threatening complications. Even indirect strikes, however, can result in serious injuries and require immediate medical attention.
Recovery Was Better Than Expected
Although the experience was terrifying, Lawley said his recovery was relatively quick.
He compared the pain to the soreness many people experience after an intense workout.
“That first week after you hit the gym—that tight, every time you bend over hurting—that’s how my body felt for about three days afterwards, but I’m feeling good today,” he explained.
Lawley added that he has already returned to work and recently unloaded a box truck for his company, saying he feels much better after the incident.
Previous Year’s Firework Accident Changed His Holiday Plans
The lightning strike came just one year after another frightening accident.
On July 5, 2025, Lawley was celebrating his daughter’s birthday when a firework unexpectedly exploded in his face, causing injuries that made the holiday especially memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Because of that experience, he said he intentionally avoided fireworks during this year’s celebrations, believing it would help him stay safe.
Instead, he found himself surviving another extremely rare accident when lightning struck nearby.
A New Perspective on Life
After enduring two life-threatening incidents on the same holiday in consecutive years, Lawley says he now views life differently.
He hopes others remember that unexpected events can happen without warning and that every day should be appreciated.
“You never know when it’s your last day. You never know when something freak could happen,” Lawley said. “So make sure you treat every day like it’s your last day.”
His remarkable story serves as a reminder of both the unpredictability of life and the importance of taking safety precautions during holiday celebrations and severe weather. While fireworks and lightning are very different hazards, both can have devastating consequences, making awareness and preparation especially important.
What are your thoughts on Lawley’s incredible story? Have you ever experienced a close call that changed your perspective on life? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.