An Illinois family walked away unharmed after deputies say lightning struck their car while they were driving on a highway on Saturday.
The incident happened on Route 13 in southern Illinois just before 6 p.m. Deputies from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the family of three standing outside the Ford, which had sustained substantial damage, according to the sheriff’s office.
The family told deputies that they heard a loud, gunshot-like noise before the vehicle filled with smoke.
STRIKING VIDEO SHOWS MOMENT BRITISH AIRWAYS PLANE IS HIT BY LIGHTNING
A family survived a lightning strike while they were traveling down a highway in Illinois on Saturday evening, according to officials. (Williamson County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies determined that the lightning strike disabled the car’s electrical system and caused an explosion that blew apart the rear bumper and exhaust system, scattering debris across the roadway.
FAMILY RESCUED BY COAST GUARD AFTER BOAT CAPTAIN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING OFF FLORIDA’S COAST
The strike disabled the car’s electrical system and blew off the rear bumper and exhaust, scattering debris on the road, according to the sheriff’s office. (Williamson County Sheriff’s Office)
Images shared by the sheriff’s office showed the extent of the damage, including a small hole in the roof of the vehicle.
No injuries were reported and authorities said the family was safe.
FLORIDA TEENAGER ‘LUCKY TO BE ALIVE’ AFTER BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE DOING YARD WORK
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said a family’s vehicle sustained extensive damage after being struck by lightning on Saturday evening while driving on a highway in Illinois. (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 on Saturday due to flooding, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said the lightning strike left a hole in the top of the vehicle. (Williamson County Sheriff’s Office)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Please use caution near rising water. High water and flowing water across roadways may be swifter and deeper than expected,” deputies warned.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com