The following is a news release sent to the San Saba News & Star on October 3, 2024, at 5:28 p.m.:
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at approximately 7:29 p.m., San Saba Police responded to an incident in the 1000 block of North High Street.
Upon officers’ arrival, they discovered that an explosion had occurred in one of the motel rooms and significant damage to the room had occurred. A male victim, found at the scene, had burns covering more than 70 percent of his body as well as a broken femur. Following a preliminary investigation, it was determined that the victim had experienced a mental breakdown and attempted to self-harm by starting a fire in his motel room.
The victim, Johnathan Lidster, a 35-year-old male, was transported by Care flight to Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, TX for treatment of his injuries. Mr. Lidster has a history of mental illness. His next of kin have been notified. Mr. Lidster is currently receiving treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center located on Fort Sam Houston.
"We would like thank the Killeen Hazmat Unit for their assistance in determining the cause of the explosion and their help in handling and disposing of any potentially hazardous materials resulting from this incident. Further, they confirmed that no chemicals were found in the victim’s room and the damage was a result of a “flash-over” -- a near-simultaneous ignition of the combustible material in the room." San Saba Police Chief John Bauer.
This investigation, by the San Saba Police Department, remains on-going.
Be sure to get your copy next week's edition of the San Saba News & Star where you will find an update of the property, photos, and information obtained in an interview with the motel manager.