The flash of explosion sliced up the dark sky

[alpacinou]

I want to describe a situation when there is a lot of light in the night sky. Can I use "slice" for light?

Is this okay?

The whine of the jet engine cut through the night. The pilot dropped two bombs on the house. The flash of explosion sliced up the dark sky and after it came a muffled rumble.

 

[alpacinou]

Are "slice" and "slice up" okay to use there?

 

[Tarheel]

It's okay, but I would prefer "lit up the sky". It's more descriptive. (Others may disagree.)