Pieces of Douglas fir flew like shrapnel across the Wanaka-Cardrona highway early yesterday afternoon, the result of a lightning strike.
Some smaller pieces hit the side of a car being driven by Wanaka resident Shanan Pullar, however the biggest chunk, estimated to weigh 250kg, flew across in front of him.
Mr Pullar told the Otago Daily Times he saw a ''flash of bright light'' and heard a ''deafening bang''. He responded by ''putting his foot down'' to get clear of the threat as fast as possible.
The tree, on a farm property about a kilometre south of Wanaka and about 40m from the road, was still releasing fumes half an hour after the strike, and there was a strong smell of tree resin in the air.
Nearby resident Jason Morgan reported ''an almighty bang'' and thought, at first, lightning had struck his house.
His wife, Chantelle, said the iron she was using ''popped''.
Her hair was standing on end as she, her husband and daughter Mikayla took a closer look at the tree.
Mr Morgan said the tree was the tallest in the row on his neighbour's property.
Pieces of the tree were spread for about 50m across the couple's lifestyle block.
A power line was also broken during the strike, and Wanaka police and volunteer fire brigade members kept the road closed while repairs were made.
