Lighting Strikes Truck Traveling in Louisiana During Severe Thunderstorm

(Lake Charles, Louisiana) - A driver lived to tell his story after the truck he was driving in southwest Louisiana was struck by lightning.

Johnathan Koenck spoke to KPLC-TV about his terrifying situation as he drove home from work one afternoon, and while on the Interstate 210 Bridge, lightning hit his truck.

Luckily for Koenck, he was on the downside of the bridge when lightning struck his vehicle, and he was not going up the bridge. We say luckily because after the lightning struck his truck, many of the electrical components on the truck went out.

Drivers near him noticed what happened, so they escorted him down the bridge with their emergency flashers on.

KPLC says, "According to the National Weather Service, the odds of your car being struck by lightning are low, at 1 in 100,000."

During the summer months, meteorologists often say that you should be weather-aware, as many storms pop up quickly. Because of the daytime heating, many can produce deadly lightning and damaging winds.

What to Do During a Thunderstorm While on the Roadway

If you ever get stuck in a thunderstorm while on the roads, it is best to pull over until the storm passes, and remember to never get out of your vehicle when lightning is in your area.

If possible, you should avoid getting on the roads when severe thunderstorms are present, and never drive across flooded roadways. As the state of Louisiana often says, "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

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As for the truck that was hit by lightning in Lake Charles, it may have sustained significant damage, but the owner says he's waiting to hear back on the extent of the damage done. And yes, when electrical components are damaged, it can be costly to repair.

You can see the moment lightning strikes the truck by clicking on the link below.