Block Closed After Suspected Lightning Strike to Flat Iron Building in Warren

By
Andy Close
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City Department of Public Works Superintendent Joe Reinke communicates with other city officials from the roof of the Flat Iron Building in Warren after it was struck by lightning on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. The lightning strike caused bricks and debris from the building to fall onto Pennsylvania Avenue and damaged multiple vehicles parked along the street. Photo by Brian Hagberg.

WARREN, Pa. – Lightning is believed to have struck the Flat Iron Building in downtown Warren (which houses KeyBank) just after 12 p.m., shutting down a portion of Pennsylvania Ave. from Hickory to Liberty streets.

Multiple vehicles were struck by several falling bricks, some causing substantial damage to at least one of the vehicles.

A large brick from the Flat Iron Building lays on the sidewalk next to a van that was damaged by falling debris after lighting struck the building on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Photo by Brian Hagberg.
Several chunks of bricks can be seen here on Pennsylvania Ave.

The City Department of Public Works, as well as the fire and police departments, were on the scene.

Mike Holtz, Director of Public Works, stated that the block would be closed for “at least a couple of hours” until crews could investigate the damage. He urged the public to remain patient.