Lightning strike causes explosion near Oxford, UK
A large explosion occurred near the British city of Oxford on Monday night after lightning struck a large biogas tank at a waste processing facility, causing a fire. Thousands of residents saw the huge ball of fire, and some also lost power.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of bad weather, after meteorologists issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain in the area, and people were urged to stay indoors and close their windows.
"I saw the lightning strike the tank, and then there was a huge explosion," said one witness, who asked not to be named. "The flames were so high, they were visible from miles away."
Other witnesses said they saw the lightning strike clearly, and that other lightning strikes hit their homes. The incident occurred while meteorologists had issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain.
The fire was extinguished by firefighters, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
