At least 21 people were injured on Monday following an explosion that reverberated through the lower floors of a hotel building in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, according to authorities.
During a news briefing on Monday, MedStar spokesperson Matt Zavadsky reported that one person was in critical condition, four others were seriously injured, and the remaining individuals sustained minor injuries.
Craig Trojacek, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth Fire Department, stated that the initial call reporting a fire at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel was received around 3:32 p.m. local time. Subsequent calls reported an explosion. Trojacek mentioned that the smell of gas was pervasive in downtown Fort Worth, and investigators are leaning towards the likelihood of a “gas explosion.”
Photos capturing the aftermath of the explosion depict shattered windows and debris strewn across the street. The Fort Worth Fire Department later announced that the blast no longer posed public safety concerns for downtown Fort Worth. However, crews remained on-site throughout the night to conduct search operations and ensure no one was trapped.
Desiree Partain of MedStar revealed that medics treated four individuals on the scene but did not transport them to a hospital.
Trojacek indicated that investigators, in collaboration with federal agencies, are working to determine the cause of the blast. The scene’s conditions have impeded immediate access to certain parts of the building, hindering rescue teams from reaching reported areas of individuals possibly trapped.
“We had reports of people trapped down in the basement, and because of the explosion that took place, some of those access areas were either covered up or it didn’t feel safe at that point to get people down into,” explained Trojacek.
Mike Vanca, a hotel guest who was not inside during the explosion, described the impact as the building shaking violently, comparing it to being slapped on the side. Hunter Chacon, an employee at a nearby establishment, recalled smelling gas in the vicinity after the blast.
The Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, a 245-room establishment dating back to 1920 and known as “The Waggoner Building,” is located approximately one block from the Fort Worth Convention Center. The building is historically significant and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
Due to damage from the explosion, the hotel announced that it would not be accepting bookings “until further notice.” Trojacek mentioned that a restaurant in the building was under construction, but it was not definitively established as the blast site.
Kristin Goodspeed, a spokesperson for Atmos Energy, the natural gas provider, stated that technicians were on-site at the request of the city’s fire department. She confirmed that gas had been isolated to the affected area, and Atmos Energy would collaborate with the Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments in support of the investigation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott communicated with local officials following the blast, expressing readiness to deploy additional personnel and resources to ensure the safety of individuals in the area.
As investigations unfold, the incident raises questions about the safety protocols, construction practices, and potential vulnerabilities associated with historic buildings in urban areas. The aftermath will likely prompt a comprehensive review of safety measures and building standards to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaborative efforts between federal and local authorities underscore the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion and prevent such tragedies in the future.