Lightning struck family's house leaving a 10-foot gaping hole and £20K damage

Tara Craven, 28, was washing dishes in her kitchen at 8 pm on Wednesday, March 25 when a huge 'bomb-like' explosion came from above.

The mum-of-two said her three-bedroom semi-detached house shook and light bulbs exploded before a strong electrical fire smell and dust filled the air.

Tara revealed she heard her two boys - aged two and three, who were being bathed by their dad, Joseph, 32 at the time - scream in fear moments before they rushed out the property, believing it was on fire.

But it was only when she went outside did the stay at home mum realise lightning had struck her house in Gristhorpe, Filey, North Yorkshire.

Dramatic images and videos show the extent of the damage, including blown fuses, knocked down walls, caved-in ceilings, doors ripped off hinges, and the conservatory roof smashed.

Tara, who is four weeks from giving birth, said: "My husband was just upstairs bathing the kids, I was downstairs washing the dishes from dinner and out of nowhere there was this massive bang.

"It was like a bomb had gone off, the whole house shook, and light bulbs exploded, so it went pitch black.

"Outside all of the car alarms were going off and the house began filling with dust and a strong, electrical burning smell just filled the air.

"We had no idea what had happened - other than it came as a huge shock, it was terrifying.

"I shouted for my husband and we rushed outside with our dog thinking the house was on fire."

Tara said it was only when she went outside and looked at the roof and saw a 6ft wide by 10ft long gaping hole she realised their house had been struck by lightning.

She said: "We called the fire brigade who were very helpful.

"It had hit the chimney, causing it to explode and ripped part of the roof off.

"That night we stayed inside my children's bedroom and the next morning we check out the damage."

The strike had partly destroyed her roof, blown off her chimney, and caved in part of the ceiling of their guest bedroom.

It had also knocked down a wall and ripped a door off its hinges which provided access to the attic, as well as blown almost all of the switches off the wall.

Bricks and tiles were thrown off the roof and crashed through their conservatory, damaging a settee, rug, and a wooden table and chair set.

Their TV also exploded and burn marks were left on their living room carpet.

She said: "We went into our garden the next day and we found bricks scattered up to 30 feet away, meaning it was really powerful.

"Bricks also damaged our next-door neighbour's house, and one hit the roof of another neighbour's car."

Tara said the property has also suffered water damage as it rained overnight after the incident.

Tara called North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Northern who attended the scene alongisde Northern PowerGrid who shut off their electricity whilst insurance inspections can take place.

The family are now living in nearby temporary accommodation, a Travelodge in nearby seaside town, Scarborough, North Yorks., but according to Tara it lacks the simple amenities like cooking facilities and laundry facilities.

According to Tara, their insurance provider is currently investigating to see if asbestos has been exposed following the strike and is assessing the damage caused.

The family have told that they haven't yet been given a date for when they may be able to move back into the house.

The family is currently crowdfunding to raise money to help them pay for repairs so they can get back into their house as soon as possible and help them get back on their feet.

You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-family-in-a-time-of-crisis-yfr9w

They say the damage is around £20,000 as they will have to get a new roof, rewire the property, and have new electricity metres fitted.

Tara said: "At least no one was hurt or worse, so we have to count our blessings.

"We don't know when we will be able to move back in, which is frustrating."

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.

Northern PowerGrid have been approached for a comment.