Lightning — Socorro, New Mexico

2017-07-15 · near Socorro, Socorro, New Mexico

Event narrative

A 93-year old woman died from a lightning caused fire at her home of 80 years. She died from smoke inhalation.

Wider weather episode

A thunderstorm that developed near Socorro shortly before 5 pm produced an intense lightning strike that resulted in an indirect fatality of an elderly woman. The preliminary investigation into the tragedy suggests a lightning strike on Molina Hill near Socorro caused a chain reaction. Investigators believe that the lightning struck a pole nearly 200 feet from the century-old house. They say that caused a surge in the living room of the old adobe home. It is believed that the lightning strike triggered a fire that killed 93-year-old Frances Molina in her home. Molina, who lived in her home for 80 years, apparently died from smoke inhalation.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.0524, -106.9058)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 703248. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.