Lufkin family survives tree falling on home: ‘By the grace of God, we’re here’

LUFKIN, Texas ( KETK ) – The Richards family has lived in Lufkin for eight to 10 years and tells KETK that Monday afternoon’s storm was the most destructive they’ve experienced.

The storm brought a massive tree from their backyard into one of the bedrooms. No one was injured.

“It just sounded like a big bang of TNT,” said the homeowner’s son, Draven Rodriguez.

The storm blew through Lufkin Monday afternoon and the Richards family shared that they feel blessed to be alive.

“This did so much damage as a category one tropical storm, I can’t even imagine what a two, three or four. That would be bad,” homeowner Josh Richards said.

Richards expressed how thankful he was that his family was in the right room at the right time.

“It’s pretty intense… that tree spun 360 degrees, if not it would’ve fallen directly on the living room and probably critically injured or killed four or five people,” Richards said. “By the grace of God, we’re here, we’re alive.”

Richards explained winds were intense during and after the storm.

“So fast with such brutal force and all the tornado spinoffs, I think it’s one of the most destructive that’s come over Lufkin in a long time,” Richards said.

Insurance and cleanup crews are already starting the recovery process. Overall, Richards said he’s thankful his family is okay and his house can be repaired.

“It’s just being thankful and grateful and giving Him all the glory and one day at a time,” said Richards.

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