Moment Airbus plane struck by lightning over north Wales captured on dashcam

The moment the plane was hit by the bolt was captured on a driver's dashcam. Credit: Media Wales

The moment an Airbus plane was struck by lightning shortly after take-off has been captured on a driver's dash-cam.

The Beluga XL5 was hit by a bolt of lightning after leaving Hawarden Airport in Flintshire just after 1pm on Tuesday 1 November.

The aircraft was flying over north Wales, on route to Hamburg, and had only been in the air for a brief period of time before being struck.

The flight continued as normal and landed safely in the German city shortly after 2:30pm.

Airbus confirmed the strike and said the aircraft would be thoroughly checked ahead of its next take-off, as is normal procedure following a strike.

Airbus said the affected aircraft would be thoroughly checked over prior to its next flight. Credit: Media Wales

A spokesperson for the company said: "At 1pm (Tuesday 1 November), Beluga XL5 departing Hawarden Airport was struck by lightening."This is a routine event in aviation and the aircraft continued with its journey to Hamburg as planned. In accordance with standard operating procedure, the aircraft will be inspected before its next flight."

The Beluga is a giant transport plane designed to carry aircraft parts and gets its name from its resemblance to the Beluga whale.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, residents of Connah's Quay took to social media to report hearing a huge bang and flash of lightning. They reported power cuts, with fire crews also seen heading to the area.SP Energy Networks said they were aware of a fault while a spokesperson for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service added: "Two crews were called at 1:12pm to Breeze Hill, Connah’s Quay."It was a fault in the electric supply in the area. The building was not on fire."

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