A gas leak triggered a massive explosion Thursday afternoon that leveled a two-story apartment building in Dallas, killing at least three people and injuring at least five others.
Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a gas leak call at 409 E 9th Street at approximately 12:47 p.m. The explosion followed shortly after. By 2:30 p.m., 71 units and 120 firefighters were on scene for what was declared a 5-alarm incident.
DFR spokesperson Jason Evans confirmed two women and one child were killed. The building, known as the Clyde and formerly as the El Ricardo, is located just east of the Bishop Arts neighborhood.
"We are still in the process of locating victims," Evans said. "Fire personnel, in conjunction with DFR and DPD Drone Teams, are carefully working their way through the remnants to locate victims."
On Friday, attorneys for the family of Sylvia Collins confirmed she was among those killed. "The family is devastated by this loss and is focused on mourning Sylvia while seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," said Paul Wingo with Hamilton Wingo, LLP.
Aerial images showed flames and thick black smoke pouring from the wreckage. Fire crews contained the flames by 4 p.m., though hot spots continued to flare. Dallas Fire Deputy Chief Mark Berry said crews had shifted to recovery mode.
Three people were taken to hospitals and two others transported themselves. One victim is in critical condition. Residents from a neighboring apartment complex to the east and a small house to the west were evacuated.
By 8 p.m. Thursday, crews had cleared roughly 40 percent of the building.
"We may very well find more victims," Evans said. "We just have to keep searching."
Evans also confirmed crews would remain on scene overnight. "Our operation does not end until the entire building has been searched," he said.
