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Gas explosion destroys apartment building in Dallas Oak Cliff as search for survivors continues
A gas leak triggered an explosion that destroyed an apartment building in Dallas's Oak Cliff neighbourhood. At least four people have been hospitalised and an unknown number of fatalities reported as 100 firefighters and drone teams search through rubble.
A gas leak triggered a devastating explosion at an apartment building on 12th Street in the Oak Cliff area of South Dallas on Thursday afternoon. The blast, reported shortly before 1 PM local time, destroyed a two-storey residential building and prompted a three-alarm fire response with approximately 100 firefighters deployed to the scene.
The assistant fire chief confirmed that at least four people have been transferred to hospitals for treatment. An unknown number of fatalities has been reported, though officials have not yet confirmed specific figures. The search for additional survivors trapped beneath rubble continues as emergency crews work methodically through the debris.
First responders are using drone technology equipped with infrared and heat-seeking equipment to locate anyone who may be alive beneath collapsed walls and debris. The Dallas Police Department's recently deployed drone system is providing aerial views that helicopters cannot achieve at such close range, assisting rescue teams in their efforts.
Dallas Mayor and City Manager appeared at a press conference at the scene but did not take questions from reporters. Both officials appeared visibly emotional, with the mayor turning to the local councillman Chad West to pledge that the city would do whatever it takes to assist those affected. The unusual presence of the city manager at such a press conference has been interpreted as an indication of the severity of the incident.
The gas utility company has confirmed that current infrastructure in the area is operating without leaks, but authorities have not yet revealed what caused the initial gas leak that led to the explosion. Residents in neighbouring buildings described hearing the blast and fleeing with family members, with one young man recounting how he grabbed his 11-year-old brother and ran from the area, as reported by Fox News.