PANJIM: In a freak incident, lightning struck the centuries-old St Lawrence Church at Sinquerim on Saturday night damaging its roof, tower and part of the pillar.

Speaking to Herald on Sunday, Parish Priest Fr Agnel Fernandes confirmed that there were no casualties. However, he said the same tower which got damaged had also been hit by a lightning nearly 15 years ago, following which it had been repaired then.

“This incident happened at 9:10 pm on Saturday night. We heard it and could see it but did not know what exactly had happened,” said Fr Fernandes.

Pointing out that there was no electricity then, after alerting the other priests, with a torch they went to ascertain what was damaged and later noticed that the roof was damaged.

“The tower, part of the pillar, roof tiles and electrical connections were all damaged,” said Fr Fernandes and added that some portion of the shade structure too was affected.

He said he informed the Church Fabrica members who came to the site immediately and were also present on Sunday morning to carry out whatever repair work they could. He said he has informed the Bishop’s House, the Dean concerned and the local panchayat.

“We are still assessing the damage and working out as to how to restore the damaged portions,” he added.