Paris, Tenn.–A lightning strike hit the roof at the Security Bank & Trust branch in the Lakeway Shopping Center in Paris, causing a fire.
Paris firefighters have been tackling the fire while the severe storm was ongoing. All staff were evacuated and were safe.
WTPR Station Manager Lance Pierce was on site and said there were actually two lightning strikes–one behind Lakeway IGA and the other at the bank. “There were two loud booms and the fire department got here right away,” he said.
As of 3 p.m., the fire was still coming out of the roof and firefighters were still on the scene.
Security Bank & Trust Chief Operating Officer Andy Collins released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
“Security Bank & Trust Company would like to thank Paris Fire Department for their quick and efficient response to the incident at our Lakeway location this afternoon. Most importantly, all of our employees are safe and only damage was to the building which can be replaced. Our customers will be redirected to the following locations:
Main Office
210 W. Washington St.
Paris, TN 38242
Mineral Wells Branch
1033 Mineral Wells Ave.
Paris, TN 38242
Lake Branch
12625 Hwy 79
Buchanan, TN 38222″
Photo by Lance Pierce.