Multiple injuries reported after possible gas explosion at Fort Worth hotel, city council member says

FORT WORTH, Texas — Officers and firefighters are responding to a Fort Worth hotel after there was a possible gas explosion on Monday afternoon. 

Fort Worth Fire Department Public Information Officer Craig Trojacek said during a press conference on Monday afternoon that officers received a structure fire call at 810 Houston St., where the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel is located. After that, they received multiple calls about a type of explosion. 

Trojacek said they they are trying to confirm if there was a gas leak and that there is a smell of gas in downtown, but it unclear if the smell was caused from the explosion itself of if it is what caused the explosion, and that they are investigating. 

He also said there are reports the explosion started in the restaurant of the hotel and that there is some construction being done at the restaurant, but FWFD is not 100% sure where the explosion started at this time. 

Fort Worth City Council Member Carlos Flores said in a Facebook post that there was a gas leak and an explosion on West 7th Street and Houston Street.

The Fort Worth Fire Department stated in a tweet that firefighters are on the scene of a major incident in downtown Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Police Department said the same thing and both asked the public to avoid the area.

Officials have reported 11 injuries so far and no fatalities. Of the patients, only one is critical, two had serious injuries, and the rest suffered minor injuries. 

First responders are still searching throughout the building for any more victims, Trojacek said. They are still assessing the integrity of the building. Atmos Energy is also on scene.

Police said they closed off a two-block radius around the hotel.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.