Motorcyclist struck by lightning in serious condition

Motorcycle helmet is damaged where it was struck by a lightning bolt. Courtesy Lewiscountysirens.com



CENTRALIA -- A motorcyclist driving on Interstate 5 Thursday morning near Centralia was struck by lightning, causing his helmet to blow out, officials said. Though he was initally thought to be OK, his condition was downgraded late Thursday and he was moved to Harborview Medical Center.

According to a Washington State Patrol Trooper, the unidentified driver was traveling northbound on I-5 near Milepost 72 when he was struck with lightning during a storm. The driver maintained control of his bike and pulled off to the side of the freeway. Washington State Patrol troopers responded to the scene and found the motorcyclist to be a bit dazed, with the foam padding in his helmet blown out. The man also had burns on the side of his face.

He was transported to the Centralia Providence Hospital in fine condition. Q13 FOX News initially reported he was released from the hospital. however, he was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and his condition was downgraded to serious, and he was moved into the intensive care unit.

This story will be updated as more information comes in