DALLAS, Texas — Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) responded to a major emergency Thursday after a reported gas leak escalated into an explosion and a large structure fire at an apartment complex in the 400 block of East 9th Street.
According to DFR, firefighters were initially dispatched at 12:47 p.m. on May 28 for a 911 call reporting a gas leak. While crews were en route, an explosion occurred at the location, prompting officials to upgrade the response to a structure fire.
The incident quickly escalated into a five-alarm fire, bringing approximately 120 firefighters to the scene to contain the blaze and search for any trapped residents.
Officials said residents from a neighboring apartment complex to the east and a nearby house to the west were evacuated as a precaution during the emergency response.
Once the fire was brought under control, crews began searching through the debris of the collapsed two-story structure. The search involved drone teams from both Dallas Fire-Rescue and the Dallas Police Department, along with K-9 units. Officials later said the operation transitioned from a search effort to a recovery phase.
At this time, authorities have confirmed three fatalities as a result of the incident.
DFR reported that three additional individuals were transported to local hospitals. One person is in critical condition, while two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two more individuals self-transported to hospitals with minor injuries.
The city of Dallas is assisting displaced residents by providing hotel accommodations and additional support services.
Officials asked the public to keep the victims, their families, and first responders in their thoughts as recovery efforts continue.
