Plane struck by lightning while flying from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — A plane was struck by lightning on Friday while flying from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, according to the Utah Dept. of Corrections’ Director of Communications and Government Relations Glen Mills.

The flight was reportedly initially delayed by an hour, but after passengers boarded the flight and were wheels-up, something more concerning happened.

“I don’t think anybody realized what had happened, however, we definitely felt what I would describe as some pretty harsh turbulence,” Mills, who was onboard the flight, said. “Turns out it was a lightning strike.”

Mills said as the plane was heading into Las Vegas to land, there were storm conditions unfit for landing, forcing the pilot to circle around the west side of the Las Vegas airport.

After some time in the air, Mills said the storm cleared and the pilot was able to land safely.

No further information is available at this time.

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