Phoenix, AZ, September 24, 2026 —

A lightning strike hit Verrado Heritage Elementary School in Buckeye, Arizona, on Thursday morning, resulting in minor damage to the gymnasium roof. The incident occurred shortly after school staff opened the gates ahead of an approaching storm.

School officials made the decision to open the school gates early on Thursday morning, allowing students to enter the building before the anticipated arrival of severe weather. According to reports, lightning struck the campus just minutes after students began entering the premises.

The lightning strike impacted the gymnasium roof, causing what has been described as minor damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among students or staff as a result of the strike or the subsequent damage.

Emergency services were not explicitly mentioned as being called to the scene, nor was the specific time of the strike detailed beyond ‘Thursday morning’. The extent of the repair work needed for the gymnasium roof and the estimated cost of the repairs were not immediately available.

The event highlights the unpredictable nature of weather and its potential impact on educational facilities. School administrators at Verrado Heritage Elementary School were proactive in bringing students inside to ensure their safety prior to the storm’s arrival, a measure that proved beneficial given the subsequent lightning strike.

Further details regarding the damage assessment and any necessary repairs are expected to be released by the school district as they become available.



Story summarized from the original created by Brian Petersheim on www.azfamily.com, see more information here.

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