Watch CBS News

U.S. Olympian Escapes Injury After Lightning Strike On Long Island

NESCONSET, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Olympic athlete Maria Michta who leaves next week for London to compete in the race walk, but today, she is lucky to be walking at all.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

Podcast

Lighting struck near her Nesconset home Wednesday, causing wires to fall and leaving two of her family vehicles in flames. She was in one of those vehicles just 20 minutes before they were destroyed.

"A bad fire doesn't even explain the damage. I mean, the cars literally were incinerated," she told WCBS 880 reporter Sophia Hall. "The street itself physically was damaged. Part of it was thrown up on to the lawn. I mean the guys had to come out here today to re-do the street. That's how intense it was."

Maria said she was training at a nearby high school when this scary fire happened.

"I mean, we had enough excitement, positive excitement. Now this is just like insane excitement. Thankfully everyone's okay," she said.

What event are you looking forward to watching during the Olympics? Sound off in the comments section below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.