Powerful Lightning Strike Ruptures Water Main, Damages Homes in Salem

A lightning strike that sent the chimney of a Cabot Street home toppling into the house next door Sunday evening packed enough of a punch to rupture a water main, fire officials said. 

Shortly after 6 p.m., local police and fire units responded to 34 Cabot St. for a reported lighting strike and power outage.

When emergency responders arrived on scene, they reportedly found that the strike had sent bricks from the three-story building's chimney flying into the side of the home next door, Salem Fire Capt. Paul Cranney said.

They also discovered that the lightning strike had ruptured a water main, causing water to pour out into the street.

Workers were still repairing the damaged water main early Monday morning.

The building's two third-floor tenants were displaced as a result of the lightning strike, Cranney said.

Click Here to see what some of our Salem Patch Facebook followers had to say about Sunday evening's fast-moving but powerful storm.

Were there any lightning strikes near your house? 

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