Lightning strike kills motorcyclist riding down interstate

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fl. — A motorcyclist died Sunday afternoon after he was struck by lightning on Interstate 95 in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on I-95 southbound near mile marker 271.

The man, 45, was struck by lightning and crashed after leaving the roadway, troopers said.

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An FHP spokesperson said the lightning struck the man's helmet and shattered it.

Troopers said an off-duty Virginia State trooper witnessed the lightning strike.

The accident caused a traffic back-up as troopers investigated the death.

Direct lightning strikes are rare.

Since 2006, there have been 10 lightning fatalities related to motorcycles, according to the National Lightning Safety Council.

These included:

• 2006 #18
• 2007 #14
• 2009 #2 and #33
• 2011 #16
• 2013 #17
• 2014 #4
• 2015 #5 and #23
• 2016 #17

Cox Media Group