Overview
- A reported gas leak led to an explosion that destroyed The Clyde apartment complex in Oak Cliff on Thursday and was upgraded to a five-alarm fire that drew more than 100 firefighters.
- Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed at least three deaths, including a child, and said five people were injured; crews finished hand searches and began excavation with officials warning more victims could still be found.
- Atmos Energy says fire officials told the company a construction crew not affiliated with Atmos damaged a pipeline near the site and that natural gas service in the area remains shut off while technicians support investigators.
- The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed investigators to examine the gas-fueled explosion and gather evidence, and authorities have secured the scene with a multi-block perimeter during the probe.
- Displaced residents have been placed in hotels and a reunification center was set up at a nearby high school, and a lawsuit has been filed alleging Atmos Energy failed to monitor and warn about gas risks as formal investigations continue.