Officials confirmed that there were fatalities but didn’t provide a specific number. At least four people are injured, but there could be more victims.
DALLAS — Dallas Fire-Rescue said an explosion caused a massive apartment fire in Oak Cliff. DFR confirmed that there were fatalities, and crews have moved from rescue to recovery mode.
Officials said crews were responding to a reported gas leak around 12:47 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at a two-story apartment complex called The Clyde, located at the intersection of Patton Avenue and East 9th Street, Dallas Fire-Rescue said. While en route, the explosion occurred, according to DFR.
At least four people have been taken to the hospital, and their condition is unknown, officials said. There could be more victims, depending on the number of people home at the time, officials said.
During a Thursday afternoon press conference, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials confirmed fatalities but did not provide a specific number. Officials said some individuals have been accounted for, but the total remains unclear.
Watch the 5 p.m. press conference below
Reports indicated a construction crew may have been working in the area before the explosion. City of Dallas officials said no city crews were actively working at the time
In a statement, Atmos Energy said that a construction crew unrelated to the company damaged a natural gas pipeline.
“At 12:51 p.m., the fire department reported to Atmos Energy that a construction crew unrelated to Atmos Energy damaged a natural gas pipeline near 409 E. 9th Street in Dallas. Atmos Energy technicians are onsite working with Dallas Fire Rescue and other emergency management personnel. Natural gas service in the immediate area is off, an investigation is ongoing, and Atmos Energy crews remain on site to provide support.”
More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene, DFR said.
According to county property records, there are 23 units in the building. The fire was reportedly the result of an explosion, but those details are unconfirmed, officials said. The fire was officially contained just before 3:30 p.m., DFR officials said.
Residents, Neighbors, Officials’ Reaction
Emily, a resident at The Clyde, formerly known as the El Ricardo apartment complex, describes the moment she heard an explosion while at home with her sister.
“Me and her heard a big commotion like the apartment was shaking. Then I grabbed her. I went with her to the restroom, locked the door, trying to cover her. And the top floor of the apartment, it was like destroyed and shattered into our apartment downstairs, and even the window was breaking,” Emily said.
A resident of the building, who identified himself as Mr. Brown, witnessed the possible explosion. He told WFAA that he felt the apartment shake and saw a young girl attempting to escape the debris. He drew the attention of Dallas firefighters, who responded and transported her to a hospital.
“Just save her life, that’s what I was thinking, just save her life,” Brown said.
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“It was flames in a certain area, but when the little girl came out, it wasn’t no flames. And then once it blew up again. And that’s when the flames started spreading, and then that was it,” Brown said.
Dallas Major Eric Johnson said he is monitoring the situation, he said in a statement.
“I am closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the explosion in Oak Cliff,” Johnson said in a social media post. My prayers are with those injured, their families, and all those who have suffered loss from this tragic event.
A witness who identified herself as Marcella said she was in bed when she felt a loud boom. The explosion was so powerful that it blew out her windows, she said.
“It was actually crazy,” she said. “My body is vibrating right now as we speak. I was so scared, I literally jumped out of my bed. I peeked out of the window to see what was going on. It scared me, I started crying and everything.”
Another resident, who identified himself as Mr. Terrance, said he had just gotten off the bus and saw the flames.
“I lost my animals and everything. They probably burnt up, man. Two dogs, three cats. Getting off the bus coming home, and I’ve seen all this smoke. My wife says, ‘That’s our apartment complex,'” he said.
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How to help
A reunification center has been established at W.H. Adamson High School, near the scene of the fire, according to State Representative Jessica Gonzales.
Officials with the Red Cross said they are working with first responders and the apartment complex to assess the needs after the explosion. Those impacted by the fire and who need assistance should contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Mission Oak Cliff announced support and is holding an online and in-person donation drive for the victims.
“We are praying for all those affected by the tragic fire in Oak Cliff. Help us help our neighbor.”
The organization is asking for water, non-perishable food items, gently used or new clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, blankets and gift cards.
- Friday, May 29, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Monday, June 1- Thursday, June 4 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Donations can be dropped off at 111 S. Beckley Ave. in Dallas. More information can be found online here.