Fire investigators are trying to find out what set a church on fire near downtown Houston Monday night.
The three-alarm fire erupted at part of the Friendship Baptists Church at Matthews and Ruthven streets.
The fire was extinguished around 9 p.m., but despite the 150 firefighters on the scene, the building collapsed quickly.
The building, which had stood for more than 60 years, had several people inside when the fire started. Witnesses said they believe the building was struck by lightining.
"I heard thunder and then I heard a pop sounding like lighting had struck the transformer -- we lost all power," said the churchs pastor.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital after he was injured while fighting the blaze.
There was no word on whether the church had insurance or where service might take place.
A bulldozer was brought to the scene to tear down the rest of the building.
