I thought I was going to die! Watch incredible moment Galashiels mum is 'struck' by lightning
Tracey Kutluol believes new phone cover bought hours earlier saved her life
Last updated 9th Aug 2018
A mortified mum revealed she thought she was going to die after being struck by lightning at her home in Galashiels.
Tracey Kutluol was filming the storm from a window in the town's Roxburgh Street when her phone was zapped around 10pm last night (Thursday).
She believes a new rubber phone cover, bought just hours earlier, diverted the danger and saved her life.
Tracey, whose hand was left feeling "tingly", said: "I’m still in shock. Everyone is okay but it's a big lesson learnt - don’t risk it for a stupid video or photo. The (phone) case that I just got this morning probably saved my life."
Loud explosions were reported across the Borders as the freak storm made its way through the region - with reports of homes being shaken, power outages, and car alarms being set off.
Tracey was watching the light show with her friend Michaela Burns in Galashiels town centre when it got too close for comfort.
In the video, she can be heard joking: "I'm going to get electrocuted" as she opened her window to get a better look.
Moments later, a flash of lightning hits her phone - causing pandemonium. She drops the case and, still in shock, repeatedly shouts: "I just got struck by lightning." Meanwhile, her friend - who has a phobia of thunder - bursts into tears.
Recovering from their ordeal, Michaela told Radio Borders News: "I've never experienced it so bad here. Tracey only put the case on her phone today and part of it is rubber so she believes and feels that she's been lucky from any further damage due to her case, although her hand is tingly."
And Tracey added: "No damage done, just really shaken up - heart's still bounding."