Hotel Explosion in Texas: 21 Injured in Tragic Incident

The explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel in Texas has caused significant injuries and damage. Here are some key points about the incident:

1. Location and Timing:
   • The explosion occurred at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
   • The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. local time on a Monday.
2. Casualties and Injuries:
   • At least 21 people were reported injured in the explosion.
   • One person was in critical condition, and four others sustained serious injuries.
3. Building Details:
   • The hotel is a 20-storey building with 245 rooms.
   • Originally built in 1920 as the “Waggoner Building,” it underwent extensive conversion and reopened as the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel in May.
4. Debris and Damage:
   • The blast caused significant damage, with at least two floors of the building’s facade blown out onto the street and into a parking lot.
   • Heavy debris scattered throughout the street, prompting nearby evacuations.
5. Possible Cause:
   • Investigators believe the explosion may have been caused by natural gas.
   • There were reports of a gas smell in the area, and windows and debris were blown outside the structure.
6. Response and Investigation:
   • Emergency services, including Medstar and the Fort Worth Fire Department, responded to the scene.
   • First responders are conducting searches within the building.
   • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is involved in the investigation.
7. Historical Significance:
   • The hotel occupies a building originally known as the “Waggoner Building,” listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
   • The reconversion of the Waggoner Building aimed to retain many of its original features.
8. Evacuations:
   • Nearby employees were evacuated due to the explosion and subsequent debris.
9. Gas Smell:
   • Witnesses reported a smell of gas in the area, reinforcing suspicions of a natural gas-related incident.
10. Ongoing Situation:
    • The situation is ongoing, with investigators working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
    • Emergency responders continue to assess the building and provide medical assistance.

As the investigation progresses, more details about the incident and its aftermath are likely to emerge.