Horrifying moment lightning strikes pensioner's home causing huge explosion
Horrifying footage has captured the shocking moment lightning stuck the roof of a pensioners house - causing a massive explosion.
The roaring bolt of lightning hit the semi-detached house in Stoke-on-Trent shortly before 5.25pm on Saturday (September 21). Firefighters and police were called to the property before evacuating neighbours and setting up a cordon.
A security camera from a nearby home captured the harrowing moment the bolt hits the roof. In the 10-second clip the sky can be seen lighting up before an almost instantaneous flash and explosion happen.
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Orange smoke, thought to be flames, can then be seen rising from the roof before the sound of the strike echoes throughout the neighbourhood.
It's believed the property, on Bambury Street, is owned by a 79-year-old woman who has since been made homeless due to the seriousness of the damage.
One witness said a motorist had stopped and told them the home's roof was 'on fire'. The incident came at a time where the city was under a yellow warning for thunderstorms, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.
A GoFundMe has since been set up by Hayley Johnson, who says the elderly woman's home became flooded and the roof was in need of urgent repair - but her insurance won't cover it.
In the post, Hayley wrote: "With permission from our neighbor am asking for help. On 21st September lightning struck the roof of the house where the 79 year old lives and set it alight.
"The insurance company won’t cover lightning strikes so they are now homeless. The house is flooded due to the rain and the roof needs completely replacing.
"Any help to get this lady her home liveable again would be appreciated. Alternatively if anyone trades people could help please get in touch with me so I can direct you to her son."
The GoFundMe has already raised nearly £2,000 out of it's £10,000 target. Donations can be made online here.