Co-workers save lightning strike victim

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI) - A 37-year-old man was in the surgical ICU at St. Luke's Hospital Monday night recovering after he was struck by lightning earlier in the day at Sylvan Nursery on Horseneck Road in Dartmouth.

Severe thunderstorms moved through southern New England around noontime Monday. According to police James Gallant, a supervisor with more than 15 years of experience at the company, was going to his truck when lightning struck the truck around 12:20 p.m.

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Gallant was knocked unconscious. According to the nursery, several co-workers rushed to help him - performing CPR and reviving their colleague.

"I heard the thunder. I saw the lightning and I though that was pretty close," said Justin Grady, a volunteer firefighter. "He was not moving. He was not breathing. He was blue. I knew I had to try to save him."

Gallant was taken to St. Luke's for treatment.

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When contacted over the phone on Monday, Sylvan president Jim McBratney issued a brief statement:

"We are very proud of all those involved with saving our employee's life, both the employees and the emergency responders."

At last check, Gallant was listed in fair condition.