Lightning Strike Sets Off ‘Shocking’ Fireball, Causing Power Outages and Traffic Delays: Watch
Mount Pleasant, SC A dramatic lightning strike in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sent a fiery explosion into the sky on Tuesday evening, causing widespread power outages and traffic delays across parts of the town. Authorities confirmed that, despite the intensity of the blast, no injuries were reported.
The incident, captured on surveillance and dashcam footage, shows a bolt of lightning hitting a utility pole around 6:15 p.m. The strike instantly triggered a massive fireball that lit up the sky and startled nearby residents and drivers. The Mount Pleasant Police Department later shared the footage online, calling the event “shocking, but thankfully non-lethal.
“The lightning strike caused our power outages and traffic delays. Fortunately, no one was injured and emergency crews responded quickly to secure the area,” the department said in a statement posted to social media.
The explosion damaged a key transformer and knocked out power to nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in the immediate area. Several traffic lights also went dark, creating confusion at major intersections during the evening commute. Police and public works officials were dispatched to direct traffic and assist with the restoration effort.
Dominion Energy reported that crews worked overnight to restore power and replace damaged equipment. Most service was restored by early Wednesday morning.
Local residents described hearing a loud “boom” followed by a brief flicker of lights before total darkness set in. “It sounded like a bomb went off, said Kelly Simmons, who lives near the site of the strike. We saw a bright flash, and then everything went black.
Experts say lightning strikes on utility infrastructure, while rare, can cause chain-reaction damage to connected systems. Mount Pleasant officials urged residents to be cautious during thunderstorms and to report any downed power lines immediately.
As storm season continues along the East Coast, authorities are reminding the public to stay indoors during lightning events and avoid using electrical appliances.
The fireball has since gained traction online, with thousands sharing the video and praising the quick response by emergency services.
