Two Cars Struck by Lightning on Hwy 79S Today

By Shannon McFarlin and Brittany Martin • April 11, 2024 • Updated July 12, 2026

From the Apr 16, 2024 e-Edition

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Henry, Tenn.–The Henry Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched out to a vehicle accident this morning in the 13000 block of HWY 79 South. Dispatch had advised that a car had been struck by lightning while driving down the highway and now the car smelled like smoke.

Engine 2 responded to the scene with four firefighters to find two vehicles had actually be struck by lightning while driving.

The surveillance video from a nearby business shows the moment lightning struck a white SUV on Hwy. 79 this morning around 7:20 a.m. in the Skunk Hollow area.

Luckily the driver, Trista Jones is ok, just a mild headache. She was on her way to work at Henry County Medical Center.

"It completely locked up my car, causing electrical failure and the power steering was lost," Jones said. "I was also unable to turn [the vehicle] off. My rear driver’s side window was busted out from the impact."

Thankfully, Jones was able to safely get off the road.

Henry County First Responders were contacted and was able to shut the car off.

Vehicle 1 had sustained complete electrical failure and some body damage. Vehicle 2 had also sustained electrical failure and a busted rear driver side window.

The Henry fire crew disconnected all power from the vehicle, and covered up the rear busted window before clearing the scene. No injuries were reported on scene. Also assisting were 911 dispatchers and the Henry County Sheriffs Office.

Henry VFD photo.