Lightning strike blamed for electrical fire, damage to SUV at Vandalia home Tuesday

VANDALIA — Lighting is being investigated as the cause of damage to Vandalia home and the homeowner’s SUV Tuesday morning, according to firefighters.

>>PHOTOS: Lightning strike damages SUV, causes electrical fire at Vandalia home Tuesday

Crews were called to the house in the 5500 block of Old Springfield Road shortly before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday on initial reports of a house fire.

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Investigators determined a tree outside the house was struck by lightning as storms moved through the area. The lightning then traveled underground, went into the house, and burned-out several electrical outlets inside the house, investigators said.

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The lightning strike also damaged the homeowner’s truck parked outside the house with the strike sending several limbs down into the truck.

No injuries were reported.

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We’ll update this developing story as we learn more.

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Old Springfield Road Lightning Strike A lightning strike was blamed for causing significant damage to an SUV and blowing-out the electrical outlets inside a Vandalia home Tuesday morning. Firefighters say a tree was hit by the bolt but lightning traveled underground before causing the electrical fire inside the house. (Dontre Drexelius/Staff)

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