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NORTH ATTLEBORO - When lightning splintered a large pine tree in the front yard of David and Michelle McGrath's home at 82 Delamont Ave. last Friday, it wasn't the end of bad luck for the McGraths and their neighbors who live on a gravel street off Old Post Road.

The lightning also blew out the McGrath's electrical system and badly damaged a private water line serving the McGraths and three of their neighbors.

And on Monday, the final blow came when the remains of the tree in the McGrath's front yard collapsed on their two-story house, badly damaging the roof.

"We've had three tragedies here in quick succession," said David McGrath, whose father died on Thursday. His funeral was held Tuesday.

The McGraths, who had an electrician repair their wiring, are continuing to live in their home despite having several appliances destroyed by the lightning. Their water service, along with their neighbors', remains shut off because lightning also damaged water supply pipes. Some of the neighbors have moved into motels temporarily because of the water shut-off.

A tree crew worked most of the day Tuesday to remove the fallen tree from the house and cut up the remains.

McGrath said the tree fell with explosive force about 4 a.m. Monday. The McGrath's 23-year-old son managed to escape injury after the tree made a hole in the roof above his head.

For now, the McGraths say they're relieved to at least have escaped without serious injuries to neighbors or family members.

The family is supplying its water needs by carrying jugs from local stores, and friends and family members have stopped by with meals and encouragement.

"We have a lot of good friends," McGrath said.

The most damaging problem for the family and their neighbors, however, appears to be the water line.

A repair crew tried to restore service a few days ago, but every time water was turned back on another leak appeared. Officials say it appears the pipe likely will need major repairs.

That could be costly for the neighborhood because the town does not own the water main in the street. That means neighbors will have to pay for the work themselves, assistant DPW Director Mark Hollowell said.

"We've tried to help as much as we could, but unfortunately it's a private line," Hollowell said. McGrath said he and his neighbors are hopeful insurance will help with the cost of fixing the water pipe, which he estimates to be a third of a mile long.

RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.