A large fire broke out in Strabane, Co Tyrone.
A number of local witnesses said that a lightning bolt struck a building in the town’s railway road area.
Massive fire in downtown Straban, please avoid. Apparently a thunderbolt struck a local business. pic.twitter.com/0IteMh2BEd
– Aodhan Harkin (@AodhanHarkin) 4 July 2021
The area was cordoned off and firefighters are currently treating the fire.
PSNI advises the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to deal with the fire.
Doherty’s coffin-making business was struck by lightning at Straban. pic.twitter.com/n6kqHsz9Kl
Raymond McCarron Daydreamer (workingsux) 4 July 2021
Eyewitnesses in the area reported a lightning strike before the fire.
The UK Met Office had earlier issued a weather warning for the six counties of Northern Ireland.
It warned of frequent lightning, heavy rain and hail, which «can damage property and disrupt travel.»
Mitt Erin had also issued a thunderstorm warning for several counties across the northwest.
⚠️Update: Status Yellow – Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️
Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, meth, Westmeath
The risk of scattered thunderstorms leading to flooding.
Valid until 20:00 Sunday 04/07/2021
More here 👇https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuShttps://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/ITFwHgcZMp
– MetEireann 4 July 2021