A huge, terrifying explosion tore through a two‑story apartment building on the outskirts of downtown Dallas early Thursday, and a blazing inferno followed. Firefighters rushed to the scene, but the building was already a black‑smoke‑laden ruin.
There have been fatalities at this point, Deputy Chief Mark Berry told reporters from the fire‑rescue press room. Let us work through the recovery phase and get a total number. The mission quickly shifted from rescue to recovery.
Around 1:20 p.m. a call about a gas leak turned into a blinding explosion that ripped the structure apart. Dozens of units combed the smoldering debris, spraying water while search crews peeled back the remnants of walls and furniture searching for anyone still trapped.
Four people were taken to hospital with injuries, according to Assistant Chief James Russ, but the number of missing residents remains unknown. Authorities confirm there was no maintenance work happening at the time of the incident.
Inside a nearby high school, a family reunification center opened to help relatives locate loved ones. Frances Rizo, whose friend lived in the building, is still frantic, hoping her friend will pick up her calls.
Neighbors felt the tremor of the blast—one auto‑repair shop worker described a sudden boom and subtle shaking in the air. Julie Jensen, who lived a block away, heard the explosion and watched bright, black smoke rise. She left her home with her cat and waited in a parking lot until the air cleared.
Fire officials say the blaze is under control, but their crews continue the primary search into the twisted remains, hoping to locate those still inside.
We had the cavalry coming, but the explosion had already taken place, Berry explained.
The tragedy has rattled the community and highlighted the dangers lurking in dense apartment complexes. Residents and first responders alike are grappling with the aftermath as the search continues.
Associated Press journalists Jim Vertuno (Austin) and Russ Bynum (Savannah) reported on the incident.
There have been fatalities at this point, Deputy Chief Mark Berry told reporters from the fire‑rescue press room. Let us work through the recovery phase and get a total number. The mission quickly shifted from rescue to recovery.
Around 1:20 p.m. a call about a gas leak turned into a blinding explosion that ripped the structure apart. Dozens of units combed the smoldering debris, spraying water while search crews peeled back the remnants of walls and furniture searching for anyone still trapped.
Four people were taken to hospital with injuries, according to Assistant Chief James Russ, but the number of missing residents remains unknown. Authorities confirm there was no maintenance work happening at the time of the incident.
Inside a nearby high school, a family reunification center opened to help relatives locate loved ones. Frances Rizo, whose friend lived in the building, is still frantic, hoping her friend will pick up her calls.
Neighbors felt the tremor of the blast—one auto‑repair shop worker described a sudden boom and subtle shaking in the air. Julie Jensen, who lived a block away, heard the explosion and watched bright, black smoke rise. She left her home with her cat and waited in a parking lot until the air cleared.
Fire officials say the blaze is under control, but their crews continue the primary search into the twisted remains, hoping to locate those still inside.
We had the cavalry coming, but the explosion had already taken place, Berry explained.
The tragedy has rattled the community and highlighted the dangers lurking in dense apartment complexes. Residents and first responders alike are grappling with the aftermath as the search continues.
Associated Press journalists Jim Vertuno (Austin) and Russ Bynum (Savannah) reported on the incident.
