A 17-year-old girl was injured when lightning struck her home north of Burpengary as violent storms swept across southeast Queensland, shaking local communities and leaving another woman with burns.
Teen Caught in Lightning Strike While on Phone
Bloom Kermode, 17, was using her phone at her Sunshine Coast home when lightning struck, sending a surge through the device. The blast left her arm numb, sparked fires in her bedroom and caused part of the ceiling to collapse. She escaped with her dog and was treated at Nambour Hospital for neck pain, where she remained in a stable condition.
The incident happened as storms drenched southeast Queensland with more than 200mm of rain. While Bloom’s injuries were not life-threatening, the damage to her home highlighted the risks of using electronic devices during storms.
Burpengary Woman Injured in Separate Lightning Incident
In Burpengary, a woman suffered minor burns when lightning struck her property, sparking a fire. Paramedics treated her before she was taken to Caboolture Hospital in stable condition.
Authorities said the woman’s quick actions stopped the fire from spreading, while emergency crews were praised for handling multiple callouts across the storm-hit region.
Severe Weather Triggers Emergency Response
The Bureau of Meteorology issued urgent warnings before the storms brought heavy rain, flash flooding and damage across southeast Queensland. Floodwaters cut off roads and forced the cancellation of several Anzac Day services.
Emergency crews responded to dozens of incidents overnight, including water rescues and fallen trees and powerlines. In areas like Mooloolah Valley and Nambour, rising floodwaters caught drivers and residents off guard.
Communities Begin Recovery After Day of Destruction
As the storm moved offshore, clean-up began. Energy crews restored power to thousands, while SES volunteers cleared debris and helped residents.
In Burpengary and nearby areas, locals were urged to avoid flooded roads, unplug electronics and stay indoors during lightning. With Bloom and the Burpengary woman recovering, the community remains alert as more storms loom.
Published 28-April-2025
