A Limerick family is now homeless after a suspected lightning strike set their house on fire during Storm Franklin.
Margaret and Tony O'Shaughnessy's home in Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick was destroyed in a fire on February 20th.
All of their belongings were also ruined in the freak accident.
The family was left with nothing but "the clothes on their backs".
It is believed the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking to
The Irish Independent, Tony said: “We were there around 3:30pm and there was an almighty bang that shook the house."
When he discovered the fire he tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but it "made no difference at all".
The fire escalated quickly and Tony knew they had to escape. Tony, his wife Margaret, and their sons Adam and Evan escaped uninjured.
Luckily, their other two sons were away in college at the time.
Firefights arrived, but the fire was out of control.
Due to Storm Franklin, firefighters struggled to put it out.
Tony explained that it was the "ideal climate for a fire."
"We were in the middle of the storm and we just watched the house burn to the ground. We had no roof left. There’s nothing left."
Family friends have rallied around the heartbroken family and have launched a GoFundMe to help rebuild their home.
Friends of the O'Shaughnessy's wrote: "The fire services did their utmost to control the fire but due to weather conditions and the severity of the gale-force winds of Storm Franklin, their home was completely destroyed.
"The family left with only the clothes on their back and watched their home and all their personal belongings go up in flames."
"Funds raised will be used to rebuild their home. All your donations are greatly appreciated."
Over €33,000 has been raised so far.
