‘It fried her work car!’: Incredible video shows lightning bolt strike near Florida deputy’s cruiser

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Some Hillsborough County motorists — including a sheriff’s deputy — recently got quite a scare while traveling on Interstate 75 during an afternoon thunderstorm.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

On July 1 around 4 p.m., the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said one of its deputies was driving northbound on I-75 near Sun City Center when she heard a loud clap of thunder.

READ: Gas prices in Florida fall for third straight week

According to the deputy, the dashboard lights illuminated before her cruiser shut down.

Glancing in her rearview mirror, she noticed smoke and figured her tire had popped.

She was able to pull over and soon realized that was not the case.

READ: Apopka police officer charged with DUI was nearly 5 times over legal limit, report says

In the intense storm, other drivers had pulled off the road as well.

She realized through another motorist’s cellphone video that the damage to her car was caused by an incredible lightning strike.

HCSO said that a passenger in the car behind her was coincidentally recording at the exact moment of the fiery strike.

READ: Almost 12K unclaimed checks at Orange County Clerk of Courts, here’s how to see if one’s yours

No one was hurt, according to sheriff’s officials.

Now, HCSO has this important reminder: “When you hear thunder, make sure you seek shelter; being inside your home, a business, or even your vehicle can save a life!”

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group