An explosion at a hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday injured at least 21 people and left a chaotic scene with gaping holes in windows, concrete and sidewalks.
The Fort Worth Police Department reported it was dealing with a major incident in the city's downtown area and advised people to avoid the area, but the city's Fire Department later revealed that the explosion occurred at the Sandman Hotel. Ta.
Fort Worth Fire Department Public Information Officer Craig Trojacek said 21 people were injured in the explosion, including one in critical condition, four in critical condition and the rest with minor injuries. He added that 14 people were taken to area hospitals.
Fire officials said the explosion was “likely caused” by a gas leak, but the cause could not be officially confirmed. According to the police, construction work was underway inside the building at the time of the explosion.
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Debris has been seen strewn across the street as police investigate a “serious incident” at a Fort Worth hotel. (Fox 4 KDFW)
The incident happened Monday around 3:30 p.m. at the Sandman Hotel near W. 7th Avenue and Houston Street.
Where to send photos fox 4 It showed the windows on the bottom floor of the hotel being blown out.
Debris, including concrete slabs and piles of rubble, was scattered across the road outside. Images also showed a large hole in the sidewalk next to the building.
Several people reported hearing loud noises in the area, and others reported smelling natural gas.
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Extensive damage is seen at a hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. (Fox 4 KDFW)
Trojaczyk said the first call at around 3:30 p.m. came from a structure fire alarm, but since then there have been multiple reports of some type of explosion. There was a smell of gas in the area, and the building's windows had been blown out.
Atmos Energy staff are on scene to help shut off the gas in the area.
Trojaczyk said firefighters are still searching for people inside the building.
The Fort Worth Fire Department posted to X that anyone looking for a loved one who may have been involved in the incident should go to Sundance Square, located at 420 Main Street.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement following reports of the explosion.
“The State of Texas worked closely with Mayor Parker, Sheriff Weyborne, other local partners and Fort Worth first responders to support emergency response efforts following the tragic Sandman Hotel explosion,” Abbott said. We are in contact with them,'' he said. “We continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to immediately deploy additional personnel and resources needed to keep Texans in the area safe and out of harm's way. I ask people to pray for those injured in the explosion, and those who bravely responded to keep others safe.”
