Lightning Strikes iPod-Wearing Jogger
News is just starting to be circulated about a 2005 incident of an iPod-wearing jogger struck by lightning. Apparently, he was unlucky enough to run by a tree as it was being struck. His iPod, and the headphones he was wearing, acted as a conductor, channeling the electricity straight into his ears. Doctors apparently found burn marks across his chest where the headphones hung and determined that his eardrums were ruptured where that current inevitably ended. Years later, the jogger still has half of his hearing, but can no longer hear high-frequency tones. He still listens to his replacement iPod -- just not during storms.'USA Today' also reports on a few other cases of gadget-related lightning strikes, including 13 cases of people being zapped while chatting on cell phones since 2004. Apparently, devices don't actually help to attract strikes, but should you be on the receiving end of a bolt, any electronic device is going to help channel that lightning into you. So, just tell yourself "When thunder roars, go indoors."
From I4U News and 'USA Today'
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Clayron Pace Jr. @ Jul 12th 2007 3:59PM
Maybe it is just me but ever since I was a child I was told never to be outside during a lightning storm. For that matter, never be in close proximity with electronics during a lightning storm. So riddle me this, Why was this person jogging while there is lightning? He sort of asked for it.
jerry @ Jul 16th 2007 4:13PM
The iPod was not the lightning strike problem. It was the heavy metal he was listening to.
Jim @ Aug 3rd 2007 12:29PM
This being struck by lightning .. happens a lot. There are stories upon stories. However, this is the first one I have heard about an IPod. Its a shock to me that someone would pay $500 bucks for one. At any rate .. what happens when we are stuck by lightning and perhaps end our life with the experience?
marsha smith @ Aug 5th 2007 4:28PM
I have to agree with you on that one Jerry, you've got a great sense of humor! i love it.It probably was the heavy metal he was listening to. I have two Ipods myself I don't leave home without at least one of them, same way with my cell phones. They're excellent gadgets to have especially when you're on the road constantly like myself, But my gosh you'd think he'd have enough sense to stay the hell out of a storm with the darn thing. Obviously not!
Tari @ Aug 8th 2007 5:35PM
Jim says:
This being struck by lightning .. happens a lot. There are stories upon stories. However, this is the first one I have heard about an IPod. Its a shock to me that someone would pay $500 bucks for one. At any rate .. what happens when we are stuck by lightning and perhaps end our life with the experience?
08/03/07 12:29 PM
Jim, they said i-Pod not i-Phone. i-Pods are not $500. OK