Lightning struck a nursing home late Friday, causing an electrical fire that sent nine people to the hospital with smoke inhalation.
Nearly 200 residents, mostly seniors, were forced to relocate.
The strike occurred about 8:15 p.m. at Carolina Health and Rehab, 2451 Forest Drive.
Witnesses said they heard a loud bang when the lightning bolt struck.
The lightning caused some electrical components inside the building to burn, shorting out the electrical system, fire officials said.
Seven residents and two employees were taken to area hospitals, said Columbia Deputy Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins.
Its mostly smoke inhalation, said Clair Boatwright, a state Department of Health and Environmental Control spokeswoman.
None of the injuries was life-threatening, authorities said.
The power outage forced nursing home officials to relocate 188 residents to another facility in Ridgeway. At least six Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority buses were being used to transport the residents late Friday.
Firefighters had the blaze under control at 9:49 p.m., Jenkins said. Damage was estimated at more than $100,000, Jenkins said.
The scattered thunderstorms and lightning that swept the area were also being blamed for starting several fires in Northeast Richland, fire officials said.
One house in The Summit sustained $137,000 damage. Two neighboring houses were slightly damaged.
Another lightning strike touched off a fire at a church office. Damage there was $60,000.
Chances of rain were expected to decrease as the weekend continues, according to the National Weather Service.
