Perth Residents Struck by Lightning During Summer Storm

Perth, Australia, experienced an unusual summer thunderstorm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, resulting in three people being struck by lightning. The storm, the first significant downpour since December, caused injuries and the tragic death of a family pet.

Teenager Describes Shocking Ordeal

Georgia Rizzi, a 16-year-vintage student at Eastern Hills Senior High School in Mount Helena, was injured while with friends on the school tennis court. Rizzi described the sensation as feeling “like being stabbed with 1000 needles.” She recounted that everyone’s hair stood on end before the lightning struck a nearby metal post. Rizzi and her friend were treated by teachers, nurses, and doctors and later discharged from Midland Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Grandfather and Dog Struck in Hamersley

In a separate incident, 78-year-old Michael Day was struck by lightning while walking his dog, Messi, in Hamersley around 9:00 am. Messi was killed instantly. Day suffered burns to his abdomen and inner thigh and remains hospitalized in stable condition. His daughter, Karyn Avalos, described her father’s survival as a miracle but expressed devastation over the loss of Messi, who was fondly remembered by the family’s children as a hero.

Rare Occurrence, Experts Say

Deane Coxall, manager of St John WA special operations, noted the rarity of the event, stating it was the first time in his 15-year career he had seen three people struck by lightning on the same day. ABC News reported on the unusual circumstances.

Additional Details

The incident occurred approximately 40 kilometers east of Perth. Filmogaz reported that Rizzi felt vibrations in her spine after the lightning struck a basketball hoop. Teachers observed that the girls were stuttering and had difficulty standing after the strike.