The Joy of Lightning Bolt

A 1st edition AD&D Lightning Bolt spell can be a wizards worst nightmare in a short hallway. If it strikes a solid surface that doesn't give way like a wooden door would, then it will rebound toward the caster. If they have not placed themselves beyond the reach of a rebounding lightning bolt, well, let's just say the effect could be hair raising.

In 1e if you were a 5th level wizard that had just acquired the spell you could set the origin of the bolt up to 90' from you and the length of the bolt itself would be 80' meaning a target up to 170' away could be blasted. It also means if you are within 40' of a stone wall and unwise enough to cast in that direction you would cook yourself like a hotdog touching two live wires. (This self zapping could be from a longer distance if you set the origin of the bolt close to the wall).

Put yourself in a really short hallway with walls at both ends and multiple strikes can toast you to cinders. While the multiple instances of damage from a single bolt is debated by some, it certainly can happen in the Balder's Gate computer game. I know, I've been dumb enough to try it.

Fifth edition does nothing to clarify the issue of rebounding lightning bolts or the potential for repeat damage. It simply describes the bolt as being 100' long with the origin of the bolt being the caster's position. It is however an evocation spell so the Sculpt Spell ability would also work meaning no cooking party members in the line of fire.

Sounds like the call has to be made by the DM, hopefully with input from the players in the campaign, especially if their wizard does things like I did because they could all be at risk.

You're a hairy wizard, but stay out of this.