Huge Jesus statue explodes, insurance company calls it act of God

Monroe - A monumental statue of Jesus exploded and burned down in Ohio. The statue which has been called everything from the "King of Kings" to "King Kong," burned after being struck by lightning. Insurance companies are calling it an act of God.

The Solid Rock Church in Monroe (Ohio) is known for its 62-foot tall statue of Jesus, built in 2004. The statue burned to the ground after being struck by lightning on June 14. The sight was widely visible along Interstate 75 and was captured in photographs and on video. The damage, including the destroyed statue and the nearby amphitheater, is estimated at $700,000. According to the BBC, insurance companies are calling it an act of God in order to avoid paying to replace it.

Chris Hogg

A monumental statue of Jesus burned to the ground after being struck by lightning June 14, 2010. The 6-story statue stood outside a church in Ohio. Insurance companies are calling it an "act of God."

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The statue had been controversial ever since it was erected. The public has called it everything from the "King of Kings," to "Touchdown Jesus" to "Big Butter Jesus" and "King Kong." Leaders of the Solid Rock Church are planning to rebuild the 6-story statue, saying the new statue may be even taller than the last. Church officials are looking to build the new statue out of fire-resistant material.