Aurora townhouse struck by lightning, catches fire

SHARE Aurora townhouse struck by lightning, catches fire
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Sun-Times file photo

A townhouse in west suburban Aurora caught fire after it was struck by lightning during Wednesday evening’s storms.

Firefighters responded to the townhouse in the 2200 block of Twilight Drive at 5:36 p.m., according to the Aurora Fire Department. Residents said there was a large flash of light followed immediately by a loud thunder clap.

The two-story townhouse had smoke coming from the roof when firefighters arrived, according to the department. It took 12 firefighters just over 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

The unit that was struck by lightning was vacant at the time and no one was hurt.

The cause of the fire was determined to be the lightning strike, a statement from the department said. Damages is estimated at about $6,000.

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