Austin, Texas —

Late Sunday night, a massive blaze erupted at Motel 9 near the University/Downtown district, filling the sky with thick smoke visible from across the city. Multiple videos shared online showed the building completely engulfed in flames as firefighters rushed to the scene.

According to witnesses, chaos broke out as guests ran from their rooms — some barefoot and clutching bags or phones. “It happened so fast,” one bystander said. “Within minutes, the whole side of the motel was on fire.”

The Austin Fire Department deployed several crews to contain the flames and stop them from spreading to nearby businesses. No official reports of injuries or fatalities have been confirmed.

Roads surrounding the area remain closed as investigators work to determine the cause once the site is safe. Authorities are asking residents to avoid the vicinity to allow emergency responders to continue their efforts.

More updates will follow as this story develops. Watch the video below: