Big Country Wrap: The most watched videos of 2024

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In today’s world, nearly everyone watches some form of video every day, sometimes even hundreds. While we may not have a nationally trending video, there are definitely some ‘viral’ videos in the Big Country. Here are the videos that were the most watched in 2024.

5. Abilene Burger King/gas station total loss after early morning fire

On January 2, the Burger King/gas station located on the 1600 block of Antilley Road was engulfed in flames. Fire crews attempted to fight the fire from inside, but due to the extreme heat and smoke, they were forced to retreat and attack from the exterior. The fire crews believe the fire started in the attic, but they were unable to determine the exact cause since there was nothing left to investigate.

4. 3 Baird teens killed in Sunday morning crash

The tragic story of three teenagers who lost their lives in a drunk driving accident serves as a painful reminder to remain sober while driving. Since that tragic night, the community has been raising awareness to ensure that no parent has to bury their child due to a crash.

“We’ve lost four teenagers to drunk driving accidents. So unfortunately, this is becoming too much of an occurrence,” Ryan Bilby’s mom, Ashley Rudder, shared. “I honestly don’t feel that we’ll get closure until we stop burying babies as personal closure.”

3. Tornado spins up behind drivers on way out of Jones County

On May 2, an EF-3 tornado struck the Hawley and Hodges communities, leaving a path of destruction and injuring a family of four who were “whirled around inside” the tornado. Since then, the communities have organized benefits, received aid, and are in the process of rebuilding what was lost.

2. UPDATE: WesTex Connect releases statement on fire at the Firework Spectacular

Our number 5 story of the year is also our second most-watched video of the year. What began as a beautiful fireworks and drone show quickly turned into a blaze at the Wylie Football Stadium. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire before it caused damage to school property, but a vendor trailer was affected.

1. Female suspect shot, killed by officers during overnight standoff in Abilene

Our most-watched video of 2024 is an officer-involved shooting during an overnight standoff.

On April 29, police reported that a woman had barricaded herself inside a home on Grape Street after it was alleged that she had fired a shot at a family member. Police said the standoff came to an end when the woman opened the door and fired shots at the officers, who then returned fire, hitting her at least once. Angela Jaques, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting.

That wraps up our countdown of the most-watched videos in the Big Country for 2024. From heartbreaking tragedies to moments of intense action, this year has been one of highs and lows. As always, we’ll continue to keep you informed on the stories that matter most. Thanks for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more updates in the years ahead.