--- title: "Ford F-250 Super Duty Burns to Crisp After Lightning Strike" description: "During a recent thunderstorm in Beaufort, South Carolina, a Ford F-250 burned to a crisp after a lightning strike." date: "2022-07-24" modified: "2022-07-24" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ford-f-250-super-duty-burns-to-crisp-after-lightning-strike" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Ford" - "pickup" - "super duty" --- # Ford F-250 Super Duty Burns to Crisp After Lightning Strike ![]() During a recent, intense thunderstorm in Beaufort, South Carolina, a[ Ford F-250]() Super Duty was damaged by a lightning strike, causing the entire cab of the truck to catch fire and melt. After the fire was put out, the only remaining parts of the truck were the front fascia, the driver's side front fender, and the bed. Thankfully, no one was injured. The truck fire was seen by locals, among them was Kristi Hughes Groover, who posted photos of the aftermath on *[Facebook]()*. According to Hughes Groover, the fire started when lightning struck a tree next to the truck and then made its way to the truck itself. The truck was said to be owned by a local cabinet installer, who was working on the home seen in the photos at the time of the lightning strike. Luckily for everyone, the fire department was close by and was able to put the fire out before it spread to the house. ![]() *Photo | Kristi Hughes Groover* Normally, you're pretty safe inside of a vehicle during a lightning strike. The metal frame of a car shields its occupants from lightning. According to the[ National Weather Service](): "Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles, and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don't lean on doors during a thunderstorm." So what happened to the F-250 and why did it [catch fire]() from the lightning strike? The lightning was said to have struck a nearby tree first. So it's possible that lightning wasn't actually what started the fire. If fire, sparks, or even a burning branch from the tree made its way onto or into the truck, that could have been what started the fire. ![]() *Photo | Kristi Hughes Groover* During a thunderstorm, you should always try and seek shelter as quickly as possible. While this F-250 fire is a bit unnerving, it seems to have been caused by unusual circumstances, rather than just a lightning strike itself. A house or building is still the preferred place of shelter from a thunderstorm. However, if necessary, it's typically considered safe to seek shelter inside of a car, so long as it has a metal roof and its windows are closed. *Have any tips? Send them over to nico.demattia@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()