Crater found after lightning strikes tank while customers pump gas in Deltona

DELTONA, Fla. — A crater was discovered after lightning struck an in-ground gas tank Tuesday evening at a gas station in Deltona, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

The lightning strike was reported shortly before 8 p.m. at a Circle K at Catalina and Howland boulevards, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Laura Williams said.

"Several people were getting gas and were nearby but not on the side where the tank was located," Williams said. "Debris was scattered from this blast, but no fire."

Deputies said they are unsure what caused the crater, which is estimated to be 15 feet by 15 feet.

"The gas tank exploded, and there's a huge hole in the ground," a witness told an emergency dispatcher in a 911 call. "That is the craziest thing I've ever seen in my life."

The witness said debris was sent flying to the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie grocery store across the street.

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"There is somebody right next to a hole," the witness said. "The guy's screaming at everybody to get away."

Florida Department of Environmental Protection crews determined the tank was empty and there was no petroleum leak.

No one was injured.

Cox Media Group