Twenty-one people were injured Monday afternoon in a major explosion at a hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak; however, an investigation remains ongoing.
A statement released by Fort Worth Police explained that multiple 911 calls were received at roughly 3:32 p.m. on Monday due to a reported fire at the Sandman Hotel in Fort Worth.
“The Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the structure fire call and it was immediately updated to an explosion call at the same location,” the Fort Worth Police Department stated.
According to the statement, Fort Worth Police worked with the Fort Worth Fire Department to close streets and clear parking garages near the location of the explosion. While responding to the explosion, the fire department “noticed an odor of gas” and contacted Atmos Energy.
Law enforcement officials explained that 26 rooms were occupied at the Sandman Hotel during the explosion.
The Fort Worth Police Department confirmed that 21 individuals were injured in Monday’s explosion. Of the 21 individuals, one was listed in critical condition, with four other individuals receiving serious injuries and 14 individuals being transported to a local hospital. Police added that one of the individuals was “self-transported” to a local hospital.
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“This is an ongoing investigation and further details will be released as they become available,” police stated.
A Tuesday morning update provided by the Fort Worth Fire Department included photos that were taken in the aftermath of the explosion. The Fort Worth Fire Department explained that search and rescue operations were conducted throughout the night and “no additional victims” were located. As of Monday night, the fire department was still searching for one missing person.
While the Fort Worth Police Department said Monday’s explosion was “likely caused” by a “gas leak,” law enforcement officials have indicated they are “still waiting to confirm” the cause of the explosion.
In a statement to Axios, Atmos Energy noted that the “gas has been isolated to the affected area” and that the company is cooperating with the investigation.
“We have not made 100% determination, but we wanted to make it clear that this was some type of gas explosion,” Craig Trojacek, a Fort Worth Police spokesperson told reporters during a press conference regarding the incident. “We’re still working on the details of that to figure out what all caused that.”
