‘Absolutely horrific’: Massive fire rips through south Texas condominium

Firefighters were called to a south Texas condominium early Saturday.

Firefighters were called to a south Texas condominium early Saturday.

A large fire ripped through a south Texas condominium complex Saturday morning, possibly ignited by a lightning strike, several media outlets reported.

The fire, at the Gulf Point Condominiums complex in South Padre Island, was caught in a Facebook video by Tommy J. Saenz, who began streaming at approximately 8 a.m., The Brownsville Herald reported.

Saenz called the fire "absolutely horrific,” noting that strong winds made it difficult to put out the flames.

"This is not the way to wake up on a Saturday morning," Saenz said in the video. "I feel really bad about this, guys."

The National Weather Service suggested the fire was caused by a lightning strike. Thunderstorms had rolled through the area overnight.

"This is a crazy day," Ben Hill, who lived at a nearby condominium and also streamed video, told the Houston Chronicle. "We have a lot of damage to our building. A lot of odor. Thank God the storm blew through and it's helping the firefighters get control of the structure. ... This has been the craziest morning ... You never know what's gonna happen in Texas."

Hill told KPRC he could feel the intensity of the flames from his porch and said the building was " a total loss."

“I hope everybody got out safe,” Hill said.

There was no word about the extent of damage or injuries. According to the Valley Star, one person was taken away in an ambulance.

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