Lightning knocks radio station off air

MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) - Lightning has knocked an urban radio station off the air and started a small fire in its western Michigan studio.

The Muskegon Chronicle reports that Friday's lightning bolt may have caused thousands of dollars in damage to broadcast equipment at WUBS-FM.

An on-air personality was picking a playlist for her mid-day show when the building was hit. Rosalee Reese says the ear-piercing boom was followed by the smell of smoke.

Reese says a light fixture was burning. She called the station's president, who notified authorities.

Muskegon Fire Marshall Major Metcalf says the fire damage would have been worse if no one was at the station.

It was not immediately known when the station would be able to go back on the air.

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Information from: The Muskegon Chronicle