Family OK after lightning strikes McCordsville home
MCCORDSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – A family of four barely escaped their home that was hit by a massive lightning bolt. Several windows shattered, fire ripped through the whole second story and parts of the roof are exposed to the elements.
It happened in the 5700 block of North Peppereel Way. Officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department say the call came in around 5 a.m.
The home owner, Matt Engle said he is thankful his 6-year-old wanted to sleep downstairs on the couch. That decision may have saved her life.
“Her room was on fire and smoke. The ceiling above her room collapsed and the windows shattered. Things can be repaired. Thank God I have insurance. I am just so thankful everyone is ok,” said Matt Engle.
The Engles aren’t the only ones living on Peppereel Way that are thankful no one was injured. Ellen Elmore lives next-door and heard what she described as a loud explosion. After the initial shock, Engle dialed 911. Ellen said the Buck Creek Fire Department arrived within minutes after she dialed 911.
“I felt my walls shake. That made the picture frames fall, even my bed was shaking. I was sleeping and hit the snooze button a few times. I then heard a loud boom and it woke me straight out of bed,” said Ellen Elmore.
The Engles said they will stay with relatives until the whole right side of the home is repaired and the roof is replaced.