Lightning strike destroys Ponchatoula home where family has lived for 18 years

PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) — One Ponchatoula family’s life changed forever after a lightning strike to a home they’ve lived in for 18 years.

“I’m just happy that my family is safe. You know, we all made it out,” said Tanya Landry.

What started as a passing storm turned into a split-second nightmare for the Landry family, when a lightning strike ignited a fire that destroyed their home.

“By the time we opened the front door, smoke started pouring out and it was pouring down,” said Landry.

Landry was watching TV with her son when they heard a loud crash.

“Looked outside to see if there was any spot. And when I moved right here, there’s this vent right here. I could see orange inside the vent, and then some embers started,” said Landry.

Frantically she grabbed her son and the family cat and ran outside to call 911. Today as she walks through the home, nothing is recognizable.

“It was pretty shocking to see. You know, to be able to see, the clouds in the sky in the living room where we used to be. My ceiling and, you know, to see all the char remains of what used to be,” said Landry.

Nearly everything is lost. Still, the family is grateful and uplifted by their community’s support.

“My son started a GoFundMe page so we can help with the demolition of the house. And so we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback with that. I’m really thankful, every little bit helps,” said Landry.

Despite the devastation, the family plans to rebuild right where it all happened carrying on their family’s legacy.

“We’re going to demolish what’s left of this house and start working on our new home in this location. It’s just been a great experience being and moving from Saint Bernard Parish after Katrina to Tangipahoa Parish. We’d like to continue to be rooted here in Tangipahoa Parish,” said Landry.

The Landry family has set up GoFundMe to assist with rebuilding.

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