A LIGHTNING bolt struck just yards from a group of disabled riding pupils, causing horses to bolt and children to be thrown from their mounts.

Yesterday afternoon (May 15) at about 3pm a group of five children aged between seven and 10 years old were being led out of the riding yard of the Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs in Grange Farm, Chigwell High Road.

Centre Hall Deborah Hall, 57, said: “This incredible crack came from absolutely nowhere.

“I have never heard anything like it. Four ponies span 180 degrees, and one rider fell from her mount.

“One pony that a boy was getting on shot forward but we soon had it under control.

“The volunteers were absolutely fantastic. They were so sharp and composed and controlled the mounts.

“When it hit there was this huge flash of white.

“It hit a manhole cover and the riders had only just passed it. They were only about five metres away. They were so lucky.

“I immediately knew what it was because it was so loud and moments before we had had this incredible hail storm.

“Afterwards we had to get the riders off the ponies because we did not know what was going to come next. It was terrifying.

“We got them under a sheltered area and then took them all inside. Afterwards we lost all of our electricity. All of the computers went down and we had water pouring out of the dishwasher.

“I think the lightning must have hit a water pipe underground.

“Strangely, in the area round the manhole you could not tell anything had happened.

“I cannot thank the volunteers enough, they really managed the situation very well.”

She said that the school is currently looking for midweek volunteers and anyone interested in applying should call them on 020 8500 6051.

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