At least three people, including a child, were killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a Dallas apartment complex, igniting a massive fire and scattering debris across the neighborhood, officials confirmed on Friday.
Fatalities Confirmed
Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans announced the fatalities during an evening news conference. Hours after firefighters brought the blaze under control, authorities did not immediately provide the number of missing individuals still being sought.
At least five injured people were transported to hospitals, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue.
Deputy Chief Mark Berry stated, "There have been fatalities at this point," noting that the operation had shifted from rescue to recovery. He urged patience, saying, "Let us work through the recovery phase and get a total number."
Search Through Rubble
Dozens of firefighters combed through the smoldering rubble of the building on the outskirts of downtown Dallas, even as colleagues continued to drench the blackened debris. The exact number of residents living in the building remains unclear, with some locals expressing distress over their inability to locate or contact friends and family.
Berry said firefighters were responding to a report of a gas leak when the explosion occurred. "We had the cavalry coming," Berry said. "But the explosion had already taken place."
Gas Line Damage
Atmos Energy, the natural gas provider, stated that fire officials informed them a construction crew unrelated to the company had damaged a pipeline near the site. Natural gas service to the area remained shut off, and company officials were working with investigators on-site.
Family Reunification Center
Authorities set up a family reunification center at a nearby high school. Hours after the blaze, Frances Rizo was still trying to find her friend who lived in the building. "She's not answering her phone," Rizo said.
Firefighters rushed to the scene as flames and black smoke billowed into the sky. Some trained hoses on piles of smoking debris while others removed lumber and burned wreckage to search for anyone trapped. Little more than a blackened shell of the original building remained.
"The fire is contained, but our members are still working on the scene to do primary searches," said Dallas Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief James Russ.
Witness Accounts
Julie Jensen said she was at home less than a block away when she heard a noise like an explosion that left her ears ringing. "I was sitting on my couch watching TV — stuff flew off our walls," Jensen said. She saw rising smoke and neighbors running, grabbed her cat, and left to wait in a nearby parking lot until it was safe to return.
Sal De La Rosa was at work at a nearby auto repair shop when "all of a sudden we just heard and felt this huge boom." He said a co-worker went outside and saw thick, black smoke rising into the air.
