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How Henrico bus driver helped teen struck by lightning

Posted at 5:38 PM, Jun 02, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-02 18:27:39-04

HENRICO, Va. -- A freshman at Henrico High School is still shaken up after being struck by lightning while walking home from school Monday.

Chiquita Coles said her son Jermain, 15, was walking home and was near the intersection of Winneteka Avenue and Edgefield Street in Henrico County, not far from Azalea Avenue, when the lightning hit him. His arm was injured by the strike.

Jermaine Coles Jr. was strukck by lightning.

His mother said that a Henrico County school bus just happened to be in the area and the driver saw Coles in distress. The driver then got off the bus to help Coles.

The woman said Coles was transported to the hospital where they conducted several tests to make sure there was no damage to his heart.

Fortunately, that was not the case but his mother said he is still in a lot of pain and is shocked about what happened.

Even though he was not on the school bus at the time of the incident, CBS 6 reached out to Henrico County Public Schools to find out their policy when nearby lightning threatens the safety of students.

A spokesman said drivers are told to keep kids on the bus and make sure windows are rolled up when lightning is spotted.

Williams said that she wants the bus driver to know that she is truly thankful for being there with her son.