Corpus Christi, TX — A man who intentionally set a fire at a Stripes gas station on South Padre Island Drive in Corpus Christi has died from his injuries, according to the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD).
The man, identified as Santos Ligues, died in the early hours of August 3 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he had been transferred due to the severity of his burns, officials said.
Fire Ruled as Intentional
Investigators with the Corpus Christi Fire Department’s arson unit have confirmed that the July 29 fire was set deliberately, based on scene evidence, witness interviews, and security footage obtained from a nearby 7-Eleven, according to Assistant Fire Chief Juan “Tony” Perez.
“The fire was intentional,” Perez stated in a written release. “The investigation included multiple interviews and video evidence that confirmed the origin.”
The fire occurred at the Stripes station located at 5939 South Padre Island Drive, igniting a vehicle and gas pumps under one of the station’s awnings.
Timeline of the Incident
- 5:39 p.m., July 29 — Corpus Christi police receive a report of a fire at the gas station.
- 5:44 p.m. — Firefighters arrive to find flames engulfing gas pumps and a vehicle. The injured man was located in the parking lot, suffering from severe burns.
- Medical response — The man was first taken to Bay Area Medical Center, and later transferred by ambulance to the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
Family and Investigation Updates
According to Perez, the victim’s family is believed to be from the San Antonio area, and investigators have been in contact with them as part of the ongoing report compilation. CCFD confirmed that family members were interviewed late last week and through the weekend.
The cause and motive behind the arson remain under investigation, and officials are working to complete a full report in collaboration with law enforcement and fire officials.
“We’re continuing to gather all the facts,” Perez added, noting that the Corpus Christi Police Department is also involved, though they did not respond to media inquiries for comment.
No Other Injuries Reported
Thankfully, no bystanders or first responders were injured in the incident. The fire was quickly extinguished by responding crews, preventing further damage to the gas station or surrounding properties.
The case adds to growing concerns about intentional fires at commercial fuel sites, where the risk to public safety is especially high due to volatile materials.
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