(July 7, 2008)—The wall collapse that claimed the life of Teague Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Knight, 42, sounded just like an explosion, a witness said Monday.

It happened as Knight and other Teague firefighters battled a blaze that engulfed an auto body shop late Saturday afternoon.

The wall collapsed as Knight, carrying a fire hose, kicked in the front door of the business to try to douse the intense flames inside the building, a witness said Monday.

Firefighters scrambled to rescue Knight from the rubble, the witness said.

He was responsive as an ambulance arrived to transport him to the helicopter that flew him to a Tyler hospital, but he later died of internal injuries.

Investigators spent the day interviewing witnesses and inspecting the scene of the fire as they attempt to determine the cause.

News of the death hit residents of the small town where Knight had lived most of his life hard.

Knight was a 1988 Texas A&M graduate who worked as an engineer for the BNSF Railroad.

He joined the Teague VFD in 1989 and became chief in 1999.

He also volunteered as a paramedic.

Several flags were flying at half-staff Monday and flowers had been placed in Knight’s fire department locker and at the scene of the fire.

Teague firefighters and police officers were wearing black tape over their badges Monday.

Firefighters are escorting Knight’s body to Teague Monday night and an e-mail circulated through the community called on residents to line the loop from the Intermediate School to the funeral home around 9 p.m.

Several dozen residents had left messages Monday in the online guestbook of Bowers Funeral Home in Teague, which is handling arrangements for Knight’s funeral.

“Robert will truly be missed by everyone,” one message read.

Another came all the way from Iraq.

“On behalf of the Victory Fire Dept., Baghdad, Iraq - Our condolences go the family of a fallen brother,” the message said.

Visitation is Tuesday at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague.

Funeral services are at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Teague.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Knight is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

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