TWU students displaced after fire caused by lightning

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A lightning strike is believed to have started an early morning apartment fire at Texas Woman's University in Denton that temporarily displaced dozens of students.

The fire happened at the Lone Star Apartments on Texas Street. The apartments are affiliated with the university.

Charot Kenyi dropped to her knees to pray inside of what’s left of her upstairs unit.  Her belongings were destroyed inside her apartment where the fire started. Yet, the junior biochemistry major is rejoicing as she escaped with only her laptop and the clothes on her back.

“God is so good to me. He literally gave me 15 seconds to get the heck out of there,” said Kenyi. “Nobody got hurt. Nobody was injured. We have our lives. "

The apartment caught fire around 3:45 Wednesday morning after an intense round of lightning struck during an overnight storm.

Resident Assistant Juan Armijo remembers waking up and immediately starting to get people out of the apartments.

"They are material things. We can always get those replaced,” said Armijo. “No one was hurt. Everyone came out safe. "

About 16 students were re-assigned to other on-campus housing while 29 other students will get to return to their apartments.

Students were allowed into their units with escorts Wednesday afternoon. Many were able to salvage clothes, small appliances, car keys, eyeglasses and more. There was excitement over a Bible one student found untouched.

TWU said its Division of Student Life will work with them and provide counseling if needed. The university will also set up a fund for members of the community who want to help.