Vehicle suspected to have been struck by lightning

“In my life I never expected or experienced anything like this before.”

This is what Johan Greyling (40) from Riversdal says after his vehicle (Volkswagen Caddy panel van) completely burned down.

Johan had jumped in the pool with his little girl a few minutes earlier. When heavy weather started to rise in Midvaal, swimming time was over, and Johan decided to go to the cafe soon.

“I kind of said I wanted to hurry before the thunderstorm broke out. I am now so grateful I didn’t take my child with me,” says Johan.

He was on his way in Tugelastraat, Riversdal at around 14:45 when he heard a loud bang. His vehicle suddenly jerked and then lost power for a while.

“About 400m further after the battle I smelled smoke and stopped immediately. When I opened the door the vehicle started to burn. The Lord protected me,” says Johan.

Everything happened so quickly that Johan does not know if it was indeed lightning that hit his vehicle, all he knows is that everything started to go wrong after the loud thunder.

A passing motorist who saw what was happening stopped and called the fire brigade.

“In the confusion, I didn’t get the woman’s name. But I want to thank her and her daughter for the assistance and help,” says Johan.

Although the fire department responded quickly and was on the scene within about 6 minutes, the vehicle could not be saved.

“I cannot describe what a feeling it was to have this experience. I just know it wasn’t a good feeling and I’ll just go for counselling,” says Johan.

Fortunately, he did not sustain any physical injuries during the incident, and his vehicle is insured.

If Johan had not acted so quickly and got out of his vehicle in time, the story could have had a much worse ending.

Riaan Potgieter, owner of A Assist Towing in Meyerton took photos at the scene and made them available to Sedibeng Ster.