Couple had lucky escape after lightning bolt struck home and destroyed roof
- 8 months ago
A couple had a lucky escape after a lightning bolt struck their home minutes after they left - destroying the roof, blowing up the boiler and frying the electrics.
A nearby Ring doorbell cam captured the moment 300 million volts shot down from the clouds and through their home, four minutes after they popped out for lunch.
The chimney was blasted off the roof and countless holes were smashed through the roof of their new build as well as damaging their car.
One of the homeowners, who didn't want to be named, said: "We made a lucky escape.
"I can't imagine what would have happened to us if we'd have still been inside.
"We're both still in shock.
"The damage is massive; there are three large holes in the roof, and structural damage around the door frames.
"We're not sure when the gas and electricity can be reconnected because the damage is so extensive.
"We probably have to move out and it could be weeks.
"Even our neighbour had damage to electrical equipment and the boiler from the same strike.
"Bricks from the chimney also fell on our car.
"It’s really hard to believe. All our friends find it hard to believe. Even the home insurance were asking if we're sure because it's so rare.
"The community are very caring and have really helped us."
Neighbours in Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, called the fire brigade, rallied round to clear up the street and telephoned the couple to inform them of the strike.
Jessica heard the strike from her home opposite.
She said: "There was a huge bang and flash.
"We'd heard the thunder and not thought too much of it.
"But the bang was so loud I thought something might have been hit so went to look.
"It was scary: you just don't think it will happen."
The couple moved into the new home in 2020.
A nearby Ring doorbell cam captured the moment 300 million volts shot down from the clouds and through their home, four minutes after they popped out for lunch.
The chimney was blasted off the roof and countless holes were smashed through the roof of their new build as well as damaging their car.
One of the homeowners, who didn't want to be named, said: "We made a lucky escape.
"I can't imagine what would have happened to us if we'd have still been inside.
"We're both still in shock.
"The damage is massive; there are three large holes in the roof, and structural damage around the door frames.
"We're not sure when the gas and electricity can be reconnected because the damage is so extensive.
"We probably have to move out and it could be weeks.
"Even our neighbour had damage to electrical equipment and the boiler from the same strike.
"Bricks from the chimney also fell on our car.
"It’s really hard to believe. All our friends find it hard to believe. Even the home insurance were asking if we're sure because it's so rare.
"The community are very caring and have really helped us."
Neighbours in Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, called the fire brigade, rallied round to clear up the street and telephoned the couple to inform them of the strike.
Jessica heard the strike from her home opposite.
She said: "There was a huge bang and flash.
"We'd heard the thunder and not thought too much of it.
"But the bang was so loud I thought something might have been hit so went to look.
"It was scary: you just don't think it will happen."
The couple moved into the new home in 2020.