On Thursday evening, a lightning strike hit the roof of the gymnasium at St. Petersburg Catholic High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. The impact caused smoke to pour from the building’s roof, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Emergency response and safety measures

The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg confirmed that fire and rescue crews arrived on scene shortly after the strike. First responders are working to secure the facility, control any lingering hazards, and assess the extent of damage to the gym’s roof and interior. At this time, no injuries have been reported and all students and faculty who were inside the building remain safe.

Impact on school operations

School officials have not yet determined how long the gym will be closed for repairs or when normal class schedules will resume. Parents and guardians have been instructed that students may be picked up in front of the school while the situation is being managed. The school will provide further updates as the fire department completes its assessment.

Community call for prayer

The Diocese issued a public statement asking the community to pray for the firefighters, first responders, and the entire school community during this unexpected event. “Please pray for our firefighters, first responders and the entire school community,” the statement read.

What’s next

Officials will continue to monitor the condition of the gymnasium and will share additional information about repairs and any potential impact on school activities as it becomes available. The school’s administration thanked emergency personnel for their swift action and reassured families that safety remains the top priority.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.