[paulcissa]

I call BS. There's no sign of scorching anywhere on that structure and a lightning hit anywhere on that structure would have left significant soot and ash where energy traveled to ground. In fact, the lighting tower towards the street would have been the item to get hit if there was any truth to the story.

The story does say there was noticeable leaning to the facade prior to collapse. My guess is there was a lightning hit nearby and the concussion wave shook the wall down. Too bad, so sad.

[metmom]

If it just crumbled and fell down, I would not expect to see the spread of debris that is there.

That looks more like something hit it than it just collapsing.

[C210N]

I call BS. There's no sign of scorching...

Agree. I call either a rod of Thor or D.E.W.

[Charles Martel]

I call BS. There's no sign of scorching anywhere on that structure and a lightning hit anywhere on that structure would have left significant soot and ash where energy traveled to ground. In fact, the lighting tower towards the street would have been the item to get hit if there was any truth to the story.

Lightning does not always strike the tallest nearby object, if there are more conductive objects in the area. Also, with bricks strewn everywhere, it's hard to see any possible marks where the lightning bolt jumped to ground.

My guess, based on comments that the wall had been "sagging", is that there was a gutter or roof leak which allowed rain water to seep into the gap between those layers of brick. Not only would that present a target for a lightning strike, it would also flash into steam when struck, doing exactly the sort of damage pictured.

[LastDayz]

Check out the earlier threads this morning as there were some excellent pics of The Strike. Hit right on the crown, very distinctive mark on the interior wall. No doubt a lightning strike. God will not be mocked.