An unsettling scene unfolded on Monday afternoon in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, as a historic hotel became the epicenter of chaos and tragedy following a gas explosion that left at least 21 individuals injured and the streets draped in debris.
The Sandman Hotel, a cherished establishment located at 810 Houston St., was rocked by the explosion, prompting a flurry of calls to emergency services at 3:32 p.m., according to the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Eyewitness Account of Chaos: Tragic Incident Leaves Many Injured
Eyewitness Christa Daniels vividly recalled the harrowing moment: “At first, I thought it was thunder. I heard this loud noise, and then I looked out of my room and I saw it wasn’t thunder. And then I saw the people running. And then after that, I saw all of this debris just flying all around the place.”
Among the injured, one individual was critically hurt, four were listed in serious condition, while the remainder sustained minor injuries, as reported by J. Pollozani from the Fort Worth Police Department. Notably, three employees of the Musume restaurant, situated within the hotel, were also injured but are in stable condition.
“Musume Co-founder Devastated by Hotel Explosion; Ongoing Investigations Raise Questions”
Josh Babb, co-founder of Musume, expressed devastation over the incident: “All of us at Musume are devastated by the tragic explosion that took place this afternoon at the Sandman Signature Hotel, which is the home of our restaurant.”
While the initial suspicion pointed towards a gas leak as the likely cause, investigations are ongoing, with Craig Trojacek, the Fort Worth Fire Department’s public information officer, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding the origin of the explosion.
Trojacek revealed, “There is a smell of gas here in downtown. We’re not sure if the smell of gas was caused from the explosion or the fire itself, or if that’s what caused the explosion.”
“Emergency Response Efforts Underway After Tragic Explosion at Sandman Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas”
Reports suggested that construction work was in progress within the hotel premises at the time of the blast, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the infrastructure. The blast resulted in blown-out windows, scattered debris, and a conspicuous hole in the sidewalk adjacent to the building, as depicted in images shared with local media outlets.
The severity of the explosion led to a state of emergency, compelling the intervention of Atmos Energy crews to assist in shutting off gas lines in the vicinity. Rescue operations ensued, with fire crews meticulously scouring the building’s interiors to ensure no one was trapped or in need of assistance.
Amid the turmoil, Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed solidarity, stating, “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.”
Fort Worth Explosion: Tales of Survival, Community Support, and Calls for Safety Vigilance”
Survivors described the unsettling moments leading up to the explosion, with accounts of a faint scent of natural gas permeating the air before the calamitous event unfolded. The force of the explosion was such that it tore through multiple levels of the building, prompting daring escapes and heroic efforts to evacuate.
As investigations continue to unravel the precise sequence of events, authorities have set up a family reunification area at Sundance Square, offering solace to those seeking information about their loved ones affected by the incident.
The tragic episode at the heart of Fort Worth serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such disasters and emphasizes the need for stringent safety protocols to prevent such catastrophes from recurring. The city remains united in support of the affected individuals and their families during this distressing time.
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