Widespread myth busted after car destroyed in Aussie driveway: 'Very uncommon'

A Ford Ranger parked in a driveway at Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast suffered severe damage after being struck by lightning during intense electrical storms that hit Australia's east coast earlier this week. The strike caused the ute's tray to be torn apart and the cab to ignite, melting much of the interior plastics and warping mouldings. Remarkably, despite the destructive force, no injuries were reported. Queensland Fire Department crews arrived at the scene around 11:15 pm, finding the fire already extinguished by rain. According to a department spokesperson, incidents like this are "very uncommon" and something rarely witnessed firsthand. The images of the burnt-out vehicle challenge a widespread myth that cars provide complete protection during lightning strikes, with many believing that rubber tyres shield occupants by insulating the vehicle from the ground. Experts clarify that it’s actually the metal frame of a vehicle that offers some safety by directing electrical current around passengers, but even this protection isn’t guaranteed in a direct hit. The Queensland government has previously cautioned against considering rubber-tyred vehicles as safe shelters during storms, highlighting incidents where lightning strikes have caused tyres to explode, posing great danger. This storm was part of a series of severe weather events hitting Queensland recently, including heavy rain, strong winds, and notably, giant hailstones measuring up to nine centimeters across. Towns south of Toowoomba reported significant damage to homes and cars, and multiple people were injured by hail at a school fair in Esk. Nine individuals required medical attention, including one woman with head and neck injuries and a man with minor burns, while others were treated for bruises and minor wounds. The storms resulted in widespread power outages as trees and power lines were brought down, complicating recovery efforts. Insurance claims are already in the thousands, with preliminary damage estimates reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Emergency services have urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow safety guidelines to avoid further harm as cleanup continues. Tragically, the recent storm also claimed the life of 21-year-old Finley Bone on the Sunshine Coast. She was struck by lightning while practicing goal kicking at a sports complex near Noosa. Despite emergency efforts and transportation to hospital, she passed away, highlighting the deadly risks posed by severe storms and lightning. Overall, these events underscore the unpredictable and dangerous nature of lightning and severe weather. While vehicles with metal frames may provide some protection, they’re by no means a guarantee against lightning damage or injury. Queensland residents and others in storm-prone regions are strongly advised to seek safer shelter and heed official warnings during such extreme weather episodes.