Sensational piece of luck getting free (5)

I believe the answer is:

lurid

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'sensational' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'piece of luck getting free' is the wordplay.
'piece of luck getting' becomes 'lu' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'free' becomes 'rid' (similar in meaning).
'lu'+'rid'='LURID'

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(Other definitions for lurid that I've seen before include "Fiery - sensational" , "Grim" , "In vivid detail" , "In shocking detail" , "Horrifying - sensational" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail, The Guardian and The Sun.

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