Lightning Strikes Orthodox Church in Tampere During Wedding Ceremony, Damaging Dome and Disrupting Services
A lightning strike has hit an Orthodox church on Tuomiokirkonkatu in Tampere, resulting in a fire and partial demolition of the church’s dome, according to reports from emergency services. The Pirkanmaa Rescue Department confirmed that signs of fire were detected inside the church following the strike, which occurred on Saturday afternoon during a baptism and wedding ceremony attended by over 30 people (Helsingin Sanomat; Ilta-Sanomat; Yle; Iltalehti). Yle reports that the fire ignited in the highest tower of the church and required the partial demolition of the dome to control the blaze.