Lessons of loss News( Year-Month-Day ) The following "Lessons of loss" is summarized from a recent study
completed by Zurich. The details
have been revised to help preserve the anonymity of those
involved.
Lightning strikes a father and daughter
A father and daughter were attending a
church-sponsored youth fundraiser while a thunderstorm was crossing the area. The two believed that
they were safe because they were inside the church building. Lightning struck the unprotected building
and carried a current through the metal structural beams and components of the church. The father and
daughter were believed to have been touching a metal rail or a door handle when the lightning struck,
resulting in an indirect shock to both people.Both were seriously shaken by the event and
were transported via Emergency Medical Services to a local hospital. They were released later
that day without any long-term effects.
Lightning caused electrical surge and damaged pipe organ
During an
electrical storm, a church incurred a direct strike to the building,which caused over $100,000 damage
to the church organ. The cause of loss was listed as a power surge created by a lightning strike.
The organ damage was so extensive that it was posted as a total loss.
Fire to church building from direct lightning strike
During a thunderstorm, lighting struck a wood framed, brick veneer church. A fire started
on the roof and quickly engulfed the property in flames.The fire burned the church to the ground. The
total loss of the building and its contents cost more than $1 million. An investigator determined
that the property did not have a lightning protection system or a sprinkler system, either of which
might have prevented the loss.
The information in this publication was compiled by Zurich Services Corporation from sources believed
to be reliable. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information or any results and further
assume no liability in connection with this publication, including any information,methods or safety
suggestions contained herein. Moreover,Zurich Services Corporation reminds you that this publication
cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional
procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. The subject matter of this publication is
not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these procedures insure coverage under any
insurance policy. 2008 Zurich Services Corporation
