MEYERTON – A shop at the Klipdraai Caravan Park burned to the ground after being struck by lightning.

The thatched structure was completely destroyed.

Dramatic footage shared on social media shows flames consuming the building.

The incident took place on February 2.

The management of Klipdraai Caravan Park expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped to put out the fire, including the Midvaal Fire Brigade, who responded quickly.

“We are grateful that no one was injured,” the park stated.

Despite the intensity of the fire, firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other buildings.

According to Klipdraai Caravan Park’s owner, Michiel Nieuwoudt, the storm that night was one of the worst in decades.

“Some say it was the worst thunderstorm in 50 years,” said Nieuwoudt.

“People could hear the explosion of the gas cylinders miles away, as well as the sound of windows breaking.”

Despite several lightning conductors on the premises, the store could not be saved.

The damage is estimated at R1.8m.

Nevertheless, Nieuwoudt emphasised that the park is still open and fully operational and that ice and firewood are still for sale at the caravan park.

The park expressed its gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support.

“We are overwhelmed by all the messages of encouragement. More than 5 000 messages poured in,” Nieuwoudt said.

He expressed special thanks to Hannes Steyn from the Midvaal fire brigade, his team, as well as local spiritual leaders, Reverend Chris Olivier from NG Church Drie Riviere Oos and Pastor Eben Spangenberg from AGS Emmanuel Church in Duncanville, for their support.

The park’s focus will now be on clean-up work before a decision is made about the future of the store.

“We still have so much to be thankful for,” said Nieuwoudt.

“No one was injured, and luckily the fire did not spread to the wedding venue.”