Car catches fire on Sanibel Causeway after apparent lightning strike

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — The Lee County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to a vehicle fire on the Sanibel Causeway Tuesday night. 

Drivers told deputies the car was struck by lightning. Traffic was stopped in both directions as crews put out the fire. 

Viewers shared videos and photos of the aftermath. A white car sits on the causeway as firefighters walk around the vehicle. 

The front of the car appears to be completely burnt. WINK News is working to learn the condition of the driver. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the metal shell of hardtop cars can provide protection - as long as the windows are rolled up. However, the car is often severely damaged. 

The NWS said lightning generally strikes the vehicle's antenna or roofline, running through the outer metal shell, into the tires, and onto the ground. It said damage to the windows and antenna are common. 

Lightning can destroy electronic components, leaving the car inoperable. It's also possible for the lightning to ignite a fire which could destroy the vehicle, the NWS said.

Bridget McEuen is all too familiar with what lightning can do.

McEuen said her husband and daughter were driving down I-75 a couple of years ago when lightning struck the car. 

"At the time they didn't realize [what happened], McEuen said. "They just thought, 'Wow, that was really close."

Then the power steering gave out. Soon, so did the rest of the electrical system. McEuen took the car to the dealership, where repairs dragged on for months. She credited her insurance agent for helping navigate the process. 

"Luckily the car is still driving, and we still have it," McEuen said. "It's doing great."