Explosion at downtown Fort Worth hotel injuries 21, natural gas leak suspected

January 8,2024

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See full NBC DFW article by NBCDFW Staff here.

An explosion that blew out at least two floors of a high-rise hotel and injured nearly two dozen people in downtown Fort Worth on Monday afternoon is suspected of being caused by a natural gas leak, according to the ATF and Fort Worth Fire Department.

The explosion was reported at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Hotel in the 800 block of Houston Street at about 3:30 p.m. Officials confirmed Monday afternoon that 21 people were injured in the blast, including one critically and four seriously.

Glass and exterior walls from at least two floors of the building's 8th Street facade were blown out onto the street and into a parking lot on the west side.

The damage done to the first floor has been described by officials as "tremendous." The explosion appears to have also damaged the sidewalk, exposing the building's lower floors. Officials have not yet provided details on damage to the tower's structure.

The Fort Worth Fire Department is leading the investigation into the explosion and said Monday that while they have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion there was ongoing construction in the building and that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak. The ATF, who had agents at the scene, agreed.

Fort Worth Police said Tuesday that investigators are working to collect debris, one wheelbarrow at a time.