Gas Explosion Rocks Downtown Fort Worth, Texas, Injuring 21

A devastating explosion on Monday afternoon at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel left 21 people injured, with one person critically wounded and several others with serious injuries. The blast, which took place in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, Texas, is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, authorities reported.

At approximately 3:32 p.m. local time, Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the first call of a fire at the historic hotel. Shortly after, multiple reports of an explosion followed, shaking the downtown area and leaving a pungent smell of gas around the vicinity. Craig Trojacek, a Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson, explained that the origin of the explosion is suspected to be a gas-related incident.

Photographs circulating on social media and local news depicted a chaotic scene with windows blown out and debris scattered along the streets. Despite the destructive outcome, by Monday evening, officials assured that there were no longer public safety threats to downtown Fort Worth. Emergency crews stayed on site throughout the night, ensuring a thorough search and rescue operation and that no one remained trapped within the compromised structure.

Desiree Partain from MedStar highlighted the prompt treatment of four individuals at the scene, who did not require hospital admission. The precise cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with federal teams involved in the process. Emergency responders faced initial difficulty accessing some affected areas of the hotel due to debris and safety concerns, particularly in reaching the basement level where people could have been trapped.

Mike Vanca, who was staying at the hotel, reported feeling the shockwave even when he was not on the premises. His description of the event as "very loud and very violent" mirrored the experience of others in the downtown area at the time. Employees working nearby, such as Hunter Chacon of Wicked Butcher, described a clear smell of gas following the explosion.

The Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, a building with historical significance dating back to 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a prominent structure close to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Due to the blast, the 245-room hotel has suspended its bookings indefinitely while the damage is assessed.

The natural gas provider, Atmos Energy, confirmed its technicians responded to the incident at the request of the city’s fire department. Spokesperson Kristin Goodspeed assured that gas to the affected area had been isolated and that the company would continue to support the ongoing investigation.

In light of the explosion, Texas Governor Greg Abbott communicated with local officials and affirmed that the state was prepared to offer additional support to ensure the safety of local residents.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols, particularly in historic structures that might harbor vulnerabilities to modern infrastructure challenges like gas leaks.