They say going through traumatic experiences can create a very unique kind of bond. It’s certainly true for a group of 14 people who were struck by lightning at the same time.
While sheltering from a thunderstorm at Le Vieux Canal music festival in Azerailles, France, a group of people hid in a tent. But this turned out to be a terrible idea. The storm hit the tent, and lightning struck a number of them.
A total of 14 people were hospitalized by the lightning strike, two of whom were children. The traumatic event brought them together, and since then, they have kept in contact. They have created a support group of sorts, helping one another cope with the PTSD.
Most of the people suffered minor injuries. Various burns and levels of shock were experienced by 14 of the group. However, two were seriously hurt by the lightning strike and are still suffering today. Raphaëlle Manceau, 46, and Jocelyne Chapelle, 66 were directly hit by the strike.
A Slow Recovery For Two Of Lightning-Struck Group
Chapelle was paralyzed by the lightning strike. They believed that they would never walk again. However, against all odds, they have made a full recovery. They are now able to go on miles-long hikes and have full movement.
Sadly, for Rahaelle, the story wasn’t quite as positive. They suffered serious motor damage, resulting in a reduction in movement and speech. Since then, they have still been struggling with their speech and live with memory loss and extreme fatigue. “I’ve finally accepted that I am not quite myself anymore,” they told Le Monde.
The two have helped each other through their recovery process, along with the larger group affected by the lightning strike. “Raphaëlle came to see me a month after the lightning strike, and we called each other often,” Chapelle told Le Monde. “We helped each other through the tough times.”
The larger group is now a subject of scientific study. It’s rare to see such a large group of people all struck by lightning at the same time. This has given scientists a chance to see how different bodies absorb and dispel such a huge shock of electricity.