Explosion Rocks Fort Worth’s Sandman Signature Hotel, Leaving 21 Injured
A powerful explosion erupted in the basement of the newly opened Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth on Monday, causing significant damage to the historic Waggoner Building. The blast shattered windows on the first and second floors of the 20-story hotel, sending debris scattering into the streets. Emergency services, including the fire department and MedStar, responded swiftly to the incident, with 21 individuals reported injured and either hospitalized or treated at the scene.
The explosion occurred around 3:30 p.m., shaking downtown Fort Worth and leaving the area around 810 Houston St. in disarray. The Sandman Signature Hotel, which opened less than a year ago, featured a basement-level restaurant, believed to be the origin of the explosion.
Authorities are currently assessing the structural integrity of the 20-story tower. At a press conference on Monday evening, a Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson stated that the incident was likely a gas explosion. The exact cause is under investigation, with the assistance of the arson unit, ATF, and FBI. Atmos Energy technicians were also on-site to address potential gas-related concerns.
Of the 21 known injuries, 14 individuals were transported to hospitals, including one in critical condition and four in serious condition. Firefighters conducted rescues in the basement and evacuated occupants from the 26 rooms occupied at the time of the incident.
The Musume restaurant, located in the hotel’s basement, seemed to be the epicenter of the explosion, according to witnesses. Despite ongoing construction and renovations in the building, it is not confirmed whether these activities contributed to the blast.
Musume’s co-founder, Josh Babb, assured that the restaurant was closed during the explosion, with three employees injured but in stable condition. The fire department continues to conduct searches and assessments for additional victims while ensuring the building’s safety.
The downtown area around the hotel has been cordoned off, with a reunification point established at the Sundance Square parking lot. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of people with injuries, on stretchers, and covered in dust. The explosion’s impact was felt blocks away, with reports of shattered windows and debris scattered throughout the vicinity.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed condolences for the injured and praised the swift response of emergency responders. Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged state support, urging Texans to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers.
As investigations unfold, questions linger about the cause of the explosion and the potential role of gas leaks. The Sandman Signature Hotel, a recent addition to Fort Worth’s skyline, now stands as the site of a tragic incident, with authorities and the community grappling with the aftermath.
The suspect is a 44 year old “migrant” named Sahil Omar who caused the “explosion” at Sandman Signature Hotel in Texas.
Authorities don’t know the motive.
So it’s a terror attack 🤷♀️
They think we’re all stupid 😐 pic.twitter.com/IVyAxU6mnY
— ♥️🇺🇸 𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓪 🇮🇹♥️ (@CB618444) January 9, 2024
Fort Worth, Texas.
There was just a massive explosion at The Sandman Signature Hotel.
There are 10 people confirmed injured
The suspect has been identified as 44 year-old migrant Sahil Omar.— 🔥⭐️Edwin⭐️🔥 (@Nuked4Every1) January 9, 2024