At approximately 17.15hrs on Monday 9th May, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to an incident involved a two story semi detached property in Merthyr.

The incident involved a lightning strike to the 1st floor of the two story property.   One female child was also struck by the lightning bolt and suffered injuries to the upper body and lower leg. The female casualty was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Station Manager, Andy Methven, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service fire investigation team said;

"When I attended the scene of the incident I could see that the lightning actually cracked an upper window of a double-glazed unit and caused an entry and exit point.  There was also a small mark on the carpet which I assume was the exit point after it had gone through the young lady in question".

He added; “I have been with the fire and rescue service for 23 years and this is the first time I ever investigated or attended such an incident.

Watch Manager, Matt Jones, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, fire crime unit and fire investigation team said;

“Incidents like this are very rare as a Level 3 Fire Investigation officer in the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service I have not seen an incident of this type before”.

He added “Luckily the young girl involved has sustained minor injuries as the potential of an incident of this type could have been a lot worse”

There was no fire and the property.