Eight injured in partial Texas building collapse after apparent gas explosion



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An apparent gas explosion in Dallas injured four firefighters and four civilians and caused an apartment building to partially collapse, local officials said.

On Wednesday evening, three firefighters were hospitalized in critical but stable condition, and a firefighter had already been released from the hospital after receiving treatment. The four civilians are listed in stable condition, said Jason Evans, spokesperson for Dallas Fire-Rescue.

Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a 10:21 am call to smell natural gas at 5726 Highland Hills Road in south Dallas, officials said Wednesday.

While firefighters were investigating, an explosion occurred, “causing the two-story building to partially collapse,” Dallas Fire-Rescue said.

“There is no information on the cause of the explosion, as it will be a joint investigation involving the DFR, as well as several local, state and federal agencies, to determine exactly what happened.” Dallas Fire-Rescue said.

The partially collapsed building had 10 units and was demolished for security reasons on Wednesday. The 300 residents of the larger apartment complex are being relocated with the gas turned off and until a security screening finds the Highland Hills Road apartments can be returned to safety.

“Currently, the department is working alongside the city’s emergency management office, the American Red Cross, and apartment management to provide housing for those affected,” said Dallas Fire-Rescue. “All buildings in the complex will be subject to a thorough investigation and inspection process to ensure the safe return of residents.”

NBC News affiliate KXAS-TV reported from the scene that although the explosion “appears to have damaged at least two other buildings, firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it consumed the building or does not spread to adjacent buildings “.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson tweeted: “Please pray for our firefighters and for the civilians who have been injured.”



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