Two people and five properties struck by lightning in northern France

Two men and five properties were struck by lightning after violent storms swept through Pas-de-Calais on Friday evening (June 19), amid an ongoing heatwave across much of France.

The storms brought intense lightning activity and hailstones which caused damage and prompted an emergency response from firefighters and local authorities.

The Pas-de-Calais prefecture said two people suffered minor injuries after being struck by lightning in the commune of Fampoux.

The men, aged 56 and 66, were standing beneath a metal porch when lightning struck at around 18:15, according to emergency services, cited by BFMTV.

They were transported to hospital in Arras and were described as being in a non-life-threatening condition.

Lightning strikes buildings

The prefecture also reported five lightning strikes on homes or other buildings in the communes of Bienvillers-au-Bois, Fampoux, Feuchy, Hénin-Beaumont and Lens.

Two fires broke out following the strikes but were quickly brought under control by emergency services.

One affected a home in Feuchy, while the other damaged a nursery building in Harnes.

Authorities also reported damage to electrical installations in Fampoux, Hénin-Beaumont and Lens following lightning impacts.

Power cuts and further storm warnings

Elsewhere, a tree fell onto a vehicle in Vitry-en-Artois, causing a temporary power outage affecting around 25 households, according to the prefecture.

No serious injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

"The state's services remain mobilised," the prefecture said in an update issued on Friday evening.

The storms come as much of France continues to experience exceptionally high temperatures, with meteorologists warning that it could lead to more instability.