Date:13/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/13/stories/2008051359730600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Coconut palms struck by lightning

MADURAI: Lightning struck two coconut palms in Gomathipuram on Monday evening.

According to a local resident, one palm each at Shenbagam Street and Kurunji Street caught fire at around 7.15 p.m. However, sudden showers put out the flames.

A fire tender from Tallakulam fire station was pressed into service.

In another incident at S.S. Colony, a spark from electrical overhead cable ignited fire on a tree that was doused by the Madurai fire station.

The rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder, continued for more than an hour.