The Illinois family was not hurt when they drove on the highway Saturday when lightning struck their car.
The incident occurred at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 6 p.m. Representative Representative in southern Illinois and found that the family of three outside Ford suffered significant damage, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The family told deputies that they heard loud gunshots before the vehicle was filled with smoke.
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Officials said a family survived a lightning strike along an Illinois highway on Saturday night. (Williamson County Sheriff's Office)
Deputies determined that lightning strikes disable the car's electrical system and caused an explosion that destroyed the rear bumper and exhaust system, spreading debris throughout the road.
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The strike disables the car's electrical system and blows away from the rear bumper and exhaust pipes, scattering debris on the road, according to the sheriff's office. (Williamson County Sheriff's Office)
Images shared by the sheriff's office show the extent of damage, including a small hole in the roof.
No injuries were reported and authorities said the family was safe.
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The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said the family’s vehicle suffered severe damage after being hit by lightning Saturday night while driving on the Illinois highway Saturday night. (Williamson County Sheriff's Office)
Local firefighters also assisted, and deputies said the family's vehicle was towed from the scene.
Several roads across the county were closed due to flooding, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said lightning strikes left a hole in the top of the vehicle. (Williamson County Sheriff's Office)
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Deputies warned: “Please be cautious near the water rising above the water. High water and the flow of water across the road may be deeper and deeper than expected.”
Stepheny Price is a writer at Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, state crime cases, illegal immigration and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
