An explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel is being investigated after a blast decimated part of the building Monday afternoon.
It is unclear what caused the explosion, though fire officials said in an afternoon press briefing that a gas leak may be the culprit. Atmos Energy was on-site as of Monday evening.
At least 21 people were injured in the blast, authorities said Monday night.
“Every Fort Worth emergency response agency is on hand responding,” Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement. “My heart and prayers are with those who are injured as we continue managing the response.”
The 245-room Sandman hotel is a 20-story tower on Eighth Street between Houston and Throckmorton streets. Construction was underway at the building's restaurant, Musume.
The 100-year-old W.T. Waggoner Building used to house offices for XTO Energy but was snapped up by Northland Properties in 2019 and converted to a hotel. It opened in the fall.
Police have asked that residents avoid the downtown area.
BREAKING: An explosion at a downtown Fort Worth, Texas hotel, possibly caused by a gas leak, injured at least 11 people, sent heavy debris across a block and forced nearby employees to evacuate Monday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/PF1f46Rd2g
— ABC News (@ABC) January 8, 2024
UPDATE, JAN. 9, 8:41 A.M. CT: This story has been updated to include the latest information on the number of injuries.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)