9-1-1's Buck Survives Shocking Lightning Strike

The traumatic incident permanently changed the character's outlook on life.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a harrowing episode of the hit drama series 9-1-1, firefighter Evan "Buck" Buckley (Oliver Stark) was struck by lightning while responding to an emergency call, sending him into a life-threatening medical crisis. While unconscious and in a coma, Buck experienced an alternate reality that ultimately helped him mature and appreciate the connections in his life.

Why it matters

Buck's near-death experience marked a significant turning point for the character, who had previously been portrayed as a carefree and reckless firefighter. The traumatic incident forced him to confront his own mortality and reevaluate his priorities, leading to a more responsible and dedicated approach to his work and relationships.

The details

In the Season 6 episode "In a Flash," Buck was on a fire truck's ladder when a lightning strike knocked him unconscious and left him dangling motionless several stories up. After being rescued and transported to the hospital, Buck went into cardiac arrest and was placed in a medically-induced coma. While in the coma, he experienced an alternate reality where he was not a firefighter but an elementary school teacher, and his friends and family members were drastically different. This surreal experience ultimately helped Buck realize the importance of his own self-worth and the value of the connections in his life.

  • In Season 6, Episode 10 of 9-1-1, titled "In a Flash," the incident occurred.
  • Buck was struck by lightning while responding to an emergency call.

The players

Evan "Buck" Buckley

A firefighter with the 118 Firehouse in Los Angeles, known for his carefree and reckless nature until a near-death experience forced him to mature and reevaluate his priorities.

Bobby Nash

The captain of the 118 Firehouse, who played a crucial role in helping Buck come to terms with his own mortality and the importance of his relationships.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going back for them, I'm going back for me.”

— Evan "Buck" Buckley, Firefighter (9-1-1)

What’s next

The episode's dramatic events are expected to have lasting impacts on Buck's character development and his relationships with the other members of the 118 Firehouse team.

The takeaway

Buck's near-death experience served as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, helping him to become a more dedicated and responsible firefighter while also deepening his appreciation for the people and connections in his life. This storyline highlights the show's ability to explore complex themes of mortality and self-discovery within the high-stakes world of emergency response.