More than half a dozen people were injured Tuesday afternoon after an explosion of a vehicle set fire to a massive Inferno near El Paso International Airport.
Just before 4pm, the El Paso Fire Station posted to X and a checking crew was responding to the Condition 4 fire at the San Metro Transit Operations Center.
More than 100 firefighters and more than 40 fire units responded, according to Laura Cruz Acosta, director of El Paso Strategic Communications.
The fire was later upgraded to a second alarm. This means that the fires escalated and more firefighters were needed to fight the flames.
Seven patients were evaluated and four were taken to community hospitals, according to the fire department. No deaths have been reported.
KFOX14 reported a vehicle that presumably set a fire on fire and exploded inside the San Metro Centre.
Fox 4 reported that the building's roof and walls collapsed in the fire.
As of 7pm, the fire had collapsed and crews were checking hotspots, according to the EPFD. A fire investigator is on the scene.
El Paso police confirmed it was supporting and asked locals to avoid the area.
Acosta has issued a statement detailing the fire and its cause.
“Our main focus is to contain fires and safety for our staff,” the statement said. “We want to sincerely thank our first responders for their prompt action to deal with the situation.”
According to Acosta, El Paso International Airport operations have not been affected.
Traffic is closed until further notices are made on Montana Avenue and Wedgwood Drive, according to police and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Category 4 fires carry a “very high” level of danger, according to the US Forestry Services. They spread quickly and can last longer.
