Level crossing struck by lightning

A huge bolt of lightning struck a level crossing in the village of Onibury near Ludlow completely destroying the barriers.

At about 3.45pm on Saturday, residents said they saw a white flash as the bolt struck the barriers across the A49.

Eyewitness Lucy Calder, said: "One of the railway barriers was completely destroyed, with pieces of debris strewn around up to 50 metres away, and the signalman said he was blown off his feet. The windows of Onibury station were broken in the blast."

A nearby transformer was also struck and caught alight in the village at the same time and fire crews were sent from Ludlow, Leintwardine and the incident commander from Shrewsbury also went.

A spokesperson for Shropshire Fire and Rescue said: "The north barrier took a direct hit and caught fire. It was completely destroyed in the blaze.

"We had everything under control by 4.30pm and left the scene by about 4.40pm.

"We contacted railtrack and the trains were stopped."

Mrs Calder said: "Clouds of black smoke were seen coming from the electricity transformer, which is beside the school playing field."