9-1-2024 (TEXAS) A powerful explosion, believed to be triggered by a gas leak, rocked the downtown area of Fort Worth, Texas, injuring as many as 21 people on Monday. The incident occurred at the Sandman Signature Hotel, prompting the Fort Worth Police Department to declare it a “major incident” and urge the public to steer clear of the scene.
According to officials, one person initially reported missing has been found safe. CBS Texas reported that one patient is critically injured, while two others are in serious condition.
Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek stated that a preliminary investigation points to a “some sort of gas leak.” However, the cause of the gas smell at the scene remains unclear, and it is yet to be determined if it led to the explosion.
The blast site is undergoing further investigation to ascertain whether it occurred within a restaurant undergoing construction inside the hotel. Pictures shared by Fox 4 KDFW show windows on the hotel’s bottom floor completely blown out, with debris scattered in the adjacent car park.
Some witnesses reported detecting the smell of natural gas in the vicinity of the explosion. The Fort Worth Police Department took to Twitter, stating, “We are currently working a Major Incident. Please avoid the downtown area. PIOs are on scene.”
A family reunification area was set up at Sundance Square, as per Fort Worth Police, and the fire department urged people to avoid the affected area.
Explosion at The Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. There are 10 people confirmed injured by ABC News.#FortWorth#Texas pic.twitter.com/gIn6mXIoEc
— KANAN (@ThaRealKanan) January 9, 2024
Republican congressman Chip Roy expressed his concern on Twitter, writing, “God be with the people affected and the first responders.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also commented on the incident, saying, “There has been an explosion incident in downtown Fort Worth this afternoon, and every Fort Worth emergency response agency is on hand responding. We will provide more information as available. My heart and prayers are with those who were injured as we continue managing response.”
The Sandman Signature Hotel, a 245-room establishment completed in 1920, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built for William Thomas Waggoner, the owner of the Waggoner Ranch, the hotel is part of the Sandman Hotel Group owned by the Canadian company Northland Properties. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.
