NEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) -
Fire crews in New Britain said lightning sparked a massive fire at a well-known home on Vine Street on Sunday night.
To make matters worse, new owners had purchased the home just two days earlier.
The new owners said it was their dream home and were actually expected to meet with someone Tuesday to talk about renovations.
Neighbors said they saw a bolt of lightning Sunday during severe weather, and then there was a huge ball of fire.
"There was lightning all around us," said neighbor Tom Trutter. "There was one that was particularly loud right next to us and shook the whole house."
Trutter said when he went outside to make sure everything was OK, he noticed the home next to his had been hit.
"We went out and saw all the bricks were blown off the chimney," he said.
Trutter said he called the new owners right away, but he was out of state, and when he got here a few hours later, smoke was still coming from the home and the fire department was called.
That's when flames started erupting from the home.
The home is around 100 years old and is a landmark in New Britain.
"This house is just beautiful," said New Britain Resident Laurie Herrera. "It's everyone's favorite home. It's the largest. It's just lovely. It's tragic."
The new owners have already been in contact with an insurance company and said they hope the home can be saved.
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