BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A new Toyota Rav4 was struck by lightning on Friday afternoon at a Brevard County car dealership.
The lightning struck the 2014 Rav4 at around 1:30 p.m. at Mike Erdman's Toyota at East Merritt Island Causeway, according to dealership officials.
Officials said the lightning hit the SUV, struck through the windshield and melted the interior.
"We heard the flagpole hit and it was just a definite crackle and it was like wow that was very close and then we heard it again," said General Manager Mike Farrell. "Then the next thing you know, my phone's ringing.. the fire people are showing up driving down the street."
No injuries were reported.
The dealership says it is waiting to hear back from the insurance company on coverage for the vehicle, which is valued at around $25,000.
"Seeing the hole in the windshield, the car on fire, the airbags melting the inside of the car," Farrell said. "It's kind of surreal thinking what could actually happen if lightning struck something with somebody around. We're blessed not to have anyone near or around the vehicle or anybody affected by it other than the car itself."