Storms Cause Scattered Damage, Fires in Indiana

Strong thunderstorm winds knocked down numerous trees in a central Indiana town, with lightning being blamed for apartment building and house fires elsewhere in the state.

The storms that crossed much of Indiana late Wednesday and early Thursday also dumped several inches of rain in some places. No injuries were immediately reported.

The Republic of Columbus and WTHR-TV report the storms caused damage in the Bartholomew County town of Hope, where many homes were without power because of downed utility poles and lines.

The Star Press reports lightning is believed to have started a fire in Muncie that badly damaged an apartment building and spread to another in the complex. Officials reported home fires in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis apparently caused by lightning.