Violent storm rakes over Vancouver

Two people were struck by lightning and power to thousands was knocked out by a thunderstorm in Vancouver, British Columbia, officials said Wednesday. Utility crews were working to restore electricity to some 3,000 customers after Tuesday night's storm, The Vancouver Sun said. At the blackout's peak, an estimated 38,000 customers had no power, utility officials said. Two men were struck by lightning in separate incidents, although both survived with minor injuries, police said. Some 400 people were at the top of the 4,000-foot Grouse Mountain at resort restaurants and hiking complex. The peak is mainly accessed by a Swiss aerial tram system. Staff are not permitted to operate the tram system during thunderstorms, although during a lull around 7:30 p.m., 200 people made it down. The others had to wait 2 hours longer before the tram cars were running again, the Sun said.