DALLAS, Texas - Three people were killed and several others injured after an explosion and massive fire tore through an apartment complex near Dallas' Bishop Arts District on Thursday afternoon.
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, crews were dispatched at 12:47 p.m. on May 28 to the 400 block of East 9th Street for a reported gas leak.
While firefighters were en route, an explosion occurred, prompting the response to be upgraded to a structure fire.
The incident quickly escalated into a five-alarm fire, drawing approximately 120 firefighters to the scene.
Fire officials said residents from a neighboring apartment complex to the east and a nearby house to the west were evacuated as crews battled the blaze.
After firefighters brought the fire under control, search operations began in the debris of the collapsed two-story apartment building. The effort involved drone teams from both Dallas Fire-Rescue and the Dallas Police Department, along with K-9 units.
Officials said the operation eventually shifted from a rescue mission to a recovery effort.
Authorities have confirmed three fatalities.
Three additional victims were transported to area hospitals, including one person in critical condition. Two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Officials said two more people sought medical treatment on their own for minor injuries.
City officials are providing hotel accommodations and support services for residents displaced by the explosion and fire.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
