Gas Explosion at Historic Hotel Injures 21 in Downtown Fort Worth, Texas

An explosion rocked downtown Fort Worth, Texas, causing extensive damage and injuring at least 21 people. The incident occurred outside the Sandman Signature Hotel and is believed to have been caused by a gas leak. Emergency response teams are on the scene and are treating the injured, with several individuals in critical condition. The blast scattered debris across the streets, leading to a significant cleanup effort. One missing person has been located, but rescue crews are continuing to search for others.

Witnesses described the chaos, with one hotel worker recounting, 'Everything fell, the walls, the floor.' Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with a focus on the possibility of a gas leak. The Fort Worth police are treating this as a major incident and have issued warnings to the public to stay away from the affected area.

Among the injured, one person is in critical condition, underscoring the severity of the explosion. The hotel and its surroundings have sustained substantial damage, with the full extent of the impact still being assessed. This incident has caused alarm throughout the community, and local officials are working to provide support to those affected.