Anyone in Chicago or with their eyes on social media this weekend couldn't have avoided the scary sights produced by an afternoon storm.
"The CTA Blue Line saw massive delays after lightning struck the platform at the UIC-Medical District station Sunday evening, causing explosions and fire," reports Alex Nitkin.
"Video from the scene shows electrical fires, several explosions and a partially collapsed roof at the station," adds Nitkin.
Somehow, despite the spectacularly terrifying evidence shown in the amateur videos below, it all could have been mush worse. "The canopy over one of the station's pedestrian ramps collapsed, but the ramp itself was undamaged," reports Nitkin.
[Editor's note: There is some fairly frantic making of sounds in this video. Possibly turn down the volume before watching. Or not.]
@JimCantore - just saw this, unbelievable pic.twitter.com/AyLdKr3NSs
— Isles OfErin (@IslesofErin) July 25, 2016
FULL STORY: Lightning Hits Blue Line Stop, Causing Explosions, Fire And Canopy Collapse

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