A dramatic lightning strike in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on August 11, sparked a terrifying display of nature’s power when it hit a utility pole, causing a transformer to explode and create a pillar of fire. Dash cam footage captured the moment as flames shot into the air on one side of the road, while sparks flew over traffic lanes on the other side, leaving drivers in shock.
Power Outages and Traffic Delays Follow Explosion
The explosion led to power outages and significant traffic delays along U.S. 17, near Shelmore Boulevard. Mount Pleasant police shared a Facebook post describing the event: “A bit too much excitement for a Monday! The lightning strike caused our power outages and traffic delays.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Dominion Energy quickly responded to restore power and remove the downed wires.
Community Reactions and Horror Movie Comparisons
The police department’s video of the event went viral, amassing over 5 million views and nearly 7,000 reactions. Many viewers shared their shock and fear, with several making comparisons to scenes from horror movies like Final Destination, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Left Behind. One commenter, Hartley Cooper, wrote, “It was insane, happened right in front of me,” while others expressed their fear and amusement on social media, with one writing, “I’d have to change my pants. Yikes!”
Highway Closure and Quick Response
The incident led to a closure of U.S. 17 for several hours as emergency responders worked to secure the area. The quick response from Dominion Energy and local authorities helped mitigate further risks, ensuring the safety of the community following the frightening display of nature’s force.
