At least 21 people have been injured in a gas explosion at a downtown hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. The Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Hotel following the explosion, which blew a large hole in the lower part of the building. Reports say at least one of the injuries is critical, with two serious. Some people in the hotel around the time of the incident reported smelling an odor of natural gas before the explosion.
"The State of Texas is in close contact with Mayor Parker, Sheriff Waybourn, and other local partners and first responders in Fort Worth to assist with emergency response efforts following the tragic explosion at the Sandman Hotel," said Governor Greg Abbott. "We continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to immediately deploy any additional personnel and resources needed to keep Texans in the area safe and out of harm’s way. Cecilia and I ask all Texans to pray for those who were injured in the explosion, as well as those bravely responding to keep others safe."