Lighting Strikes Property Twice, Destroying Home and Killing Pet

A family is homeless tonight after a devastating lightning strike destroyed their house. Remarkably, lightning struck the property twice on Wednesday afternoon, tragically claiming the life of their pet in the first strike and igniting a fire in the second. This freak incident has left the family heartbroken and desperately seeking help from the community. News Five’s Paul Lopez brings us the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

A home in Georgeville went up in flames on Thursday afternoon. The victims of the fire, a young family, lost everything. We spoke with the owner of the destroyed wooden structure, Vannesa Guzman.

 

Voice of: Vannesa Guzman, Fire Victim

“This dah mih something that we never expect because I was not at home at the moment. I was with my mom when my little brother called me and told me that my house was on fire. I didn’t believe him at first but then he video called me and showed me that the house was smoking out and when he came and checked the house it was already too late.”

 

The circumstances surrounding the fire are nothing short of shocking and are certainly not a common occurrence in Belize.

 

Vannesa Guzman

“When they told us who it happened, ih mih really shocking. I never believed lightening cause something like that. We pitbull get it first then he dead. Then we house get it next.”

 

Guzman’s brother lives on the adjacent property. He ran over to save some of the household items, including items purchased for her son’s birthday party that was to be held on Saturday.

 

Vannesa Guzman

“He mih the try get some stuff, but by the time he get up the step the house just explode. Then everything, we cant save anything. We lose everything, like nothing we stay. But I just, I try be strong. It hurts a lot. We wont say it does not hurt. These are things we can recover, but we had memories. I had memories from my baby and we were looking forward to his party. He was so excited. He did his countdown and when he see that his house was burning it hurt him a lot. Up to now, he still stay frightened.”

Guzman and her family lost everything to the freak fire. They are now seeking assistance from the public to get back on their feet.

 

Vannesa Guzman

“I just hope we could get the little help that everyone says they could help. I just pray that they do, cause we nuh got nothing. So, we really appreciate, with all my heart. Anything wah work for us.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

 

You can reach the family at 608-1088 and 627-6361 if you wish to offer any assistance.