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House struck by lightning in Folkestone as thunder heard as far as Dover

08:51, 22 September 2023

updated: 12:40, 22 September 2023

Residents were left stunned when a huge lightning bolt struck a house.

Folkestone households reported windows shaking after the strike punched a hole through the roof of a home last night.

Fire services were called to the scene in Holland Avenue after the bolt hit at around 9.30pm.

Neighbours alongside the affected house reported losing power following the strike, which could be heard as far away as Dover.

Strangely, the huge bolt was the only one to hit the area all night, with nothing before or after.

A video shows the moment the lightning lit up the sky on the coast, with the flash seen across the town.

One resident said: “The light was so bright that it triggered my interior camera.

A lightning bolt has punched a hole in the roof of a house in Folkestone
A lightning bolt has punched a hole in the roof of a house in Folkestone

“The thunder afterwards vibrated the window like the Typhoon when it does a sonic boom out at sea.”

While it has not been officially confirmed, there are not believed to be any injuries following the strike – but a house has sustained damage.

A hole is visible at the top of the building’s roof, while tiles have fallen onto the ground below.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were called to house struck by lightning on Hollands Avenue, Folkestone.

“Two fire engines attended, and crews made roof safe with removal of loose tiles and use of salvage sheet to cover hole in roof. There were no reported injuries.”

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