A new bathroom showroom which was damaged last week in a freak lightning strike says it still plans to officially open later this month, despite one of its installers also being struck by a bolt of lightning.
On Thursday, September 11, at around 1:30pm, the building housing the new Factory Bathrooms showroom in Liversedge was struck by a bolt of lightning while staff were putting the finishing touches on the space.
According to the business, the lightning strike also “caused the roof to cave in, melted all the wiring, and blew the sockets off the walls” inside the space.
The direct strike to the building caused rubble to fly from the roof, which fell onto vehicles in the street outside the showroom. Thankfully, reports indicate no one was hurt by the falling masonry.
However, in a Facebook post, Factory Bathrooms says its showroom installer, Andy, was also struck by a bolt of lightning during the storm. In a fortunate turn of events, Factory Bathrooms says he was later checked over by paramedics, and was fortunately found to be uninjured.
Speaking to the BBC about the incident, Anton Edwards, who rents the building, told reporters: “[Andy] had his foot hanging out of the door of his car and the lightning hit his foot. He’s fine, he just got straight back to work. He’s a Yorkshireman.”
Three crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue then used an aerial ladder platform to assess the damage and make sure the building was safe again.
Factory Bathrooms said: “We’re extremely thankful that nobody was hurt, and we want to sincerely thank all of our amazing customers who have called and messaged to check in—it means a lot to us.
“A huge thank you as well to West Yorkshire Fire Service for their prompt attendance, ensuring everyone was evacuated quickly and kept safe.”
Despite the chaos caused by the lightning strike, Factory Bathrooms says it still plans to open its new showroom, which is on Leeds Road in Liversedge, with an official opening date now set for Saturday, September 27.