Lightning Strike Destroys Ford F-150 in Utah, Driver Escapes Unharmed
Lightning Strike Destroys Ford F-150 in Utah, Driver Escapes Unharmed
US · Published Aug 4, 2026
A lightning strike caused a Ford F-150 pickup truck to catch fire on Interstate 15 near Cedar City, Utah, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed.
The driver, Casey Pettus, was traveling during a rainy afternoon when lightning struck his truck, disabling its electronics and forcing him to manually steer the vehicle to safety.

Impact & Risks

The lightning strike resulted in the total loss of a 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid and expensive tools stored inside. While the driver escaped unharmed, the incident underscores the risks of driving during thunderstorms, particularly the potential for vehicle fires and electrical system failures. Lightning strikes on vehicles are rare but can lead to severe damage, including melted antennas, shattered windows, and ruined tires. Passengers inside hard-topped vehicles are generally safe, but those outside or leaning against the vehicle remain at risk.

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