NEW BROCKTON, Ala. (WDHN) — On Tuesday, lightning struck a home in New Brockton causing the house there in the Mayberry subdivision to catch fire.

The homeowner did not wish to be identified, but he says he along with his wife were home at the time and they both feel very lucky to be alive.

The lightning bolt hit the side of the house, and ignited a gas line, sparking a wire inside the wall and causing a great deal of smoke damage.

If the lightning hit a little further from its impact, it could have caused the massive explosion.

“The lightning struck the house and sounded like a bomb going off. Approximately 45 minutes later my granddaughter walked around the house and she advised me the house had caught fire,” the homeowner said.

The homeowner is thankful to the New Brockton Volunteer Firefighters and other first responders for their quick response in keeping the fire contained.