The number of confirmed injured climbed Monday evening after a suspected gas explosion ripped through the bottom floors of a hotel in downtown Fort Worth.
Officials with the Fort Worth Fire Department provided an update, stating that 21 people were hurt in the blast but that the consequent fire had been extinguished.
“[The incident has] characteristics of a gas explosion — but it’s still under investigation at this time,” wrote the department on social media.
Of the injured, one was said to be in critical condition, and four were described as being in serious condition, according to MedStar spokesperson Matt Zavadsky, The Dallas Morning News reported. The rest of those hurt by the explosion only sustained minor injuries. No fatalities have been documented.
A reporter with The Dallas Express was near the scene during the aftermath and spoke with an individual who came down after hearing about the explosion on the news. The resident, Josh Lederer, said he was “incredibly surprised” by the incident and praised the response of local authorities who had secured the area.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the blast occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth at 810 Houston St. The explosion prompted a rush of first responders and the blocking off of the area by police.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement following news of the blast:
“The State of Texas is in close contact with Mayor Parker, Sheriff Waybourn, and other local partners and first responders in Fort Worth to assist with emergency response efforts following the tragic explosion at the Sandman Hotel. We continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to immediately deploy any additional personnel and resources needed to keep Texans in the area safe and out of harm’s way. Cecilia and I ask all Texans to pray for those who were injured in the explosion, as well as those bravely responding to keep others safe.”
