Lightning causes LP tank explosion

A thunderstorm Wednesday night caused no major damages, although firefighters did respond to an LP gas tank explosion that was apparently caused by lightning.

Buddy Warren, assistant chief for the Darlington Volunteer Fire Department, said around 10:20 p.m., the department responded to Justice Branch Road to assist the Rheasville Volunteer Fire Department.

Warren said it appeared lightning struck a tree at the residence and traveled down the tree where it struck the tank causing an explosion.

No one was injured and there was no damage to the house. "I believe it messed the regulator up," Warren said.

There were flames on top of the tank. Firefighters remained at the scene for two hours to make sure the gas had drained out.

There were no other damages reported in Halifax County, Emergency Management Director Tina Hinton said. Rainfall of 0.6 inches was reported at the dam.

Hinton reported pea-sized hail did fall in parts of the county.

No damage was reported in Northampton County, Emergency Management Director Ronald Storey said. "We had some thunderstorms and we had some rains.

We were very fortunate."