‘Historic’ tree splits in half after being struck by lightning

Droitwich resident Richard Purchase was left stunned after a tree near his home was struck by a lightning bolt.

This came during a brief thunderstorm earlier today, which reportedly caused flooding and power outages.

Mr Purchase, who lives on St Peter’s Walk in Droitwich, said: “It was the biggest, loudest, clap of thunder I have ever heard.

“There was a massive flash.

“A friend of mine who lives nearby said his whole house turned blue, and now they are without wi-fi.”

ALSO READ: Flooding causes train disruption and possible cancellations in Worcestershire

Mr Purchase says the tree appears to have been split in half (Image: Richard Purchase)

The tree in question is around 100 yards from Mr Purchase’s home.

He says it was planted by the famous industrialist, John Corbett.

Nicknamed ‘the salt king’, Mr Corbett helped turn Droitwich into a fashionable spa town in the late 19th century.

As part of his work, several hotels were created in the area, including Chateau Impney.

Mr Purchase says trees were planted throughout Droitwich in a bid to make the skyline more attractive.

However, the tree near his house is now looking at risk, having been hit by lightning at around 3pm on Tuesday, May 9.

He added: “It has been reported, no one has been round yet but I guess someone will come out to have a look.

“It was quite a surprise because I have seen trees hit before but it literally hit the top of tree and went right through the bark, it sort of split the tree.

“The bark exploded, and it must have landed about 25 yards away.

“Luckily, everybody had ducked inside because it was pouring it down.”

Bark was sent flying 25 yards according to Richard Purchase (Image: Richard Purchase)

Before the storm hit Worcestershire, the Met Office had warned people to expect thunder and hail.

The brief downpours then caused problems for the railways, with National Rail warning passengers of potential cancellations due to flooding between Worcester and Cheltenham.

In the last few minutes, a flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Bow and Piddle Brook are understood to be at risk of flooding.

As such, people are urged to avoid using low-lying footpaths and entering areas prone to flooding.