Topic overview
In brief
- A lightning strike hit Third Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood on August 7, 2026.
- Witnesses reported a loud crack that shook the ground, leading them to investigate the source.
- The church is assessing the damage with a structural engineer, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Summary
On August 7, 2026, a lightning strike caused significant damage to the Third Presbyterian Church located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred during the morning hours, specifically between 9:10 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crack that shook the ground, prompting them to investigate the source of the noise. Apollo Mulhern and her friend Summer Savary, who lived nearby, described the sound as unlike any thunder they had ever heard. They initially speculated that lightning had struck something in the vicinity, which was later confirmed by local authorities.
Following the strike, the church's parish reported that damage had occurred to the steeple or spire above the sanctuary, which was believed to be the result of the lightning strike. Emergency services, including the Pittsburgh police, fire department, and public works, responded to the scene to assess the situation. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident, and the church is currently working with a structural engineer to evaluate the extent of the damage.