Giant explosion as lightning strike ruptures gas pipe at Stoke-on-Trent house

A giant explosion which rocked a Stoke-on-Trent neighbourhood was caused by a lightning bolt rupturing a gas pipe. The lightning strike has caused 'significant damage' to the roof of the property on Bambury Street, in Longton.

It comes as an online appeal has so far raised £3,415 for the 79-year-old resident forced to move out of her home. A number of neighbours were also forced to evacuate their properties at the height of the storm.

Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and utility giant Cadent were called to Bambury Street at 5.35pm on Saturday.

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A fire service spokesman said: "A number of firefighters have tackled a house fire caused by a lightning strike. We sent crews to the scene on Bambury Street. The lightning strike - which hit a semi-detached house - affected a number of properties in the area. Both the electric and gas supply in the area were isolated while crews worked at the scene. Thankfully, no-one was injured. The fire itself was very small, causing an external gas pipe to rupture."

Police and firefighters have cordoned off Bambury Street, in Longton
Police and firefighters have cordoned off Bambury Street, in Longton

Emergency services closed Bambury Street at the height of the incident.

Fire service official David Steele added: “Crews worked diligently at the scene of this incident to minimise the disruption and ensure those in the area were kept safe. The lightning strike caused significant damage to the roof of the property that it hit. We’ve put sheets in the building to try to minimise the damage to the inside while repair work takes place. While it is uncommon for lightning strikes to damage homes in the UK, we’re urging anyone who may experience something like this to make sure they call 999 as soon as possible. The quicker we know about an incident like this, the better we can respond and ensure the safety of those affected.”

To support the online fund-raising appeal, click here.

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