Passengers' fear as jet hit by lightning

PASSENGERS flying into Edinburgh Airport endured moments of terror after their plane was struck by lightning.

The Flybe jet was on its descent when it was struck. Passengers reported hearing a loud cracking noise and saw the bolt of lightning strike the plane, causing it to lift and tilt to the side.

Some travellers on the flight from Birmingham last Wednesday night were screaming as they feared the worst.

Mother-of-three April Wallace, 32, of Clermiston, said: "All of a sudden, just before we came through the bottom of the clouds, there was a huge flash and a huge cracking sound."

A spokeswoman for Flybe confirmed that the flight experienced a lightning strike, but added: "It should be noted that the incidence of lightning is a relatively common in-flight weather occurrence."