The wall of a two-story house at Omori on the southwestern shore of Lake Taupo was blown apart yesterday when it was struck by lightning.
Omori residents, living 2km from the Hinerangi Place house, heard the boom as the lightning bolt blew the wall apart about 4pm.
Chief fire officer for the
Turangi Fire Service, Ray Bray, said the lightning strike started a small fire, which was put out by the two occupants of the house. No one was injured.
"There were quite a few burn marks and the wiring, which had a hard plastic coating, was melted off," Mr Bray said.
A box on the street containing the house's telephone connection was also blown up.
"There were burglar alarms going flat-out because of it so it was a bit hectic for a little while ... it must have been a heck of a force," Mr Bray said.
It was thought a television aerial on the roof could have attracted the lightning bolt.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
