Lightning Strikes North Coventry Church, Sparks Destructive Fire

NORTH COVENTRY, PA — A weekend fire that was reportedly sparked by a lightning strike left heavy damage to a church in North Coventry.

The incident occurred Saturday night, Sept. 28, at around 10:22 p.m. at the Coventry Hills Church of Christ on the 1300 block of S. Hanover Street.

When crews arrived on the scene, the fire had burned through the roof, officials said. Crews were dispatched both to the roof and to the inside of the building to battle back the flames.

With the help of volunteer departments from several surrounding municipalities, the blaze was ultimately extinguished. Crews were clear of the scene in around an hour and 25 minutes.

The lighting strike also forced the church steeple to be knocked down, according to NBC10. The damage to the church will reportedly be covered by insurance.

A firefighter responding to the incident was injured, but was treated at the scene and returned to duty, CBS3 reports.

Norco was joined by crews from North End, Phillies, Limerick, West End, Kimberton, Ridge, Birdsboro, and Union on the scene.