Three killed in Dallas apartment explosion after gas line damage

DALLAS: Three people, including two women and a child, were killed in a gas explosion and fire at an apartment complex in Dallas's Oak Cliff area, while rescue efforts moved into the recovery phase, officials said.

Dallas Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Evans said three injured people were taken to hospital. He said one of them was in critical but stable condition, while the other two received treatment and were expected to be discharged later in the night. Officials also said two other people with minor injuries made their own way to hospital and were treated, and their condition was out of danger.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark DeBerry told media that the operation had shifted to recovery and could continue for another two to four hours or longer. He said the building would be searched thoroughly during debris removal to make sure no victims or evidence were missed. Evans also said crews would keep working overnight and inspect every part of the building in detail.

Assistant Fire Chief James Russ said the blaze had been brought under control, but firefighters remained at the site and an initial search was still under way. Authorities have opened a full investigation into the incident, while debris removal and the search for victims continued. Several people were also reported missing, and fire rescue personnel remained engaged in controlling the fire and looking for those unaccounted for.

Gas leak reported after pipeline damage

Atmos Energy said in a statement that the fire department was informed at 12:51pm that a construction crew not affiliated with the company had damaged an underground gas pipeline near 409 East Ninth Street, leading to a gas leak and explosion. The company said its teams were working with emergency responders and that gas service to the affected area had been shut off immediately.

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson expressed sorrow over the incident and urged the public to remember the affected families and emergency workers in their prayers.

“I appeal to the entire city, the entire state and the entire country to pray for the individuals and families affected by this tragedy. We also ask everyone to pray for the Dallas Fire Rescue personnel who are still on scene and are engaged in firefighting and rescue operations,” he said.

Officials said crews would continue examining the site through the night as the investigation and recovery work went on.