Lightning - taking the form of a spectacular fire - struck for the second time in 12 years almost to the day and precisely at the same spot in Lansford’s business district last night, chasing 17 people from their homes and leaving in its smoldering path injuries, heartbreak and damage that will run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Volunteer firefighters from miles around waged a gallant battle against the blaze that destroyed homes and businesses in the 100 block of West Ridge Street.

For those who live on the ill-fated block, it was reliving a nightmare that erupted on Feb. 11, 1967, in one of the worst blazes in Lansford history.