Lightning Strike at the St. Ulrich Branch Church in Plars
On 29 June 1838, lightning struck the St. Ulrich branch church in Plars, causing severe damage to the steeple, vaulting, and interior furnishings. One of three women present inside the church was killed, and the other two were injured.
Full transcription
Appendix.
On the 29th of the past month of June at noon, lightning struck the spire of the church tower of the St. Ulrich branch church in Plars, shattering the tower roof and roof truss and damaging the belfry frame; it then struck through the tower wall into the church vault, descended from there onto a banner chest standing at the back of the church, completely destroying it along with the banners kept inside, and proceeded on its destructive course through the church pews to the high altar, damaging the tabernacle and hurling it down onto the altar steps. Which way it exited the church could not be determined.
While the lightning struck, three women were in the church, one of whom was killed and the other two injured.
1838 at a glance
The year 1838 in Merano and its surroundings was significantly shaped by imperial visits and donations, as well as the official honoring and heritage care of Andreas Hofer's family. At the same time, natural events such as severe storm damage and public health warnings marked daily life. Regional identity and the beginning of the spa season formed further defining threads of the year. →
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"Lightning Strike at the St. Ulrich Branch Church in Plars." Der Bote für Tirol, 30 July 1838. https://digital.tessmann.it/tessmannDigital/Zeitungsarchiv/Seite/Zeitung/47/1/30.07.1838/151524/4. https://www.meran-archive.com/en/artikel/1838-07-30-blitzschlag-in-die-filialkirche-st-ulrich-in-plars