A devastating gas explosion ripped through an apartment building in Dallas on the afternoon of the 28th, leaving multiple people dead and at least four hospitalized, according to city officials. Local media reports indicate that around 11 residents are still unaccounted for at this time. The full death toll hasn’t been released yet.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department and police say the blast happened just as crews were responding to a gas leak call at the scene. What started as a two-alarm fire quickly escalated to five alarms, sending over a hundred firefighters into action. When first responders arrived, the explosion had already occurred.
Photo from US media coverage shows the scene after the blast.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and many calls to missing individuals are not going through. The focus of the operation has shifted from rescue to recovery of remains.
Drone footage shows the small apartment building completely engulfed in flames. Windows of neighboring buildings were blown out, and debris scattered across the street.
Right after the blast, thick black smoke could be seen for miles.
As the fire subsided, images revealed the building reduced to rubble—walls covered in ash, the roof collapsed, and everything turned to ruins.
Image from Dallas Fire-Rescue.
According to NBC News, a construction worker on site accidentally ruptured a gas pipe while working inside the building, triggering the explosion.
Local gas supplier Atmos Energy said they received a call from fire officials at 12:51 PM reporting that a construction crew, not affiliated with them, had damaged a gas line near the explosion site.
The company noted that technicians arrived at the scene, are assisting emergency personnel, and have shut off gas supply to the affected area. An investigation is still underway.
