Merlion statue at Singapore River struck by lightning; suffers slight damage
28 February 2009 2219 hrs (SST) 1419 hrs (GMT)
SINGAPORE: In a rare incident, Singapore's longstanding icon, the original Merlion statue at the mouth of the Singapore River has been struck by lightning.
One witness told MediaCorp Radio's 938LIVE that orange sparks flew when lightning struck between 4 and 5pm at Merlion Park.
Staff in the vicinity said they heard an explosion followed by a loud thud when broken pieces fell to the ground.
About 30 people dashed into a nearby restaurant for safety.
Other onlookers continued to take photos of the 36-year-old tourism icon. - 938LIVE/vm