A massive explosion occurred at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, leaving at least 21 people injured and others trapped in the basement. The blast, believed to be caused by a gas explosion, resulted in significant damage to the historic 20-story building. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for potential victims throughout the evening.

According to Craig Trojacek, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth Fire Department, reports came in about people trapped in the basement, but access areas were either covered or deemed unsafe due to the explosion. The injured individuals were transported to hospitals, with one person listed in critical condition and two others in serious condition. The remaining victims had minor injuries.

Witnesses described the chaotic scene following the explosion. Rebecca Martinez, who was in a nearby building, heard a loud crack before witnessing a wall of dust and debris sweep through the streets. She encountered a man and a woman leaning against a fire hydrant, both covered in blood. Martinez also noticed a strong smell of natural gas and quickly realized she needed to move away from the area.

Images from the scene depicted shattered glass and scattered debris on the street. Charlie Collier, a witness, described the aftermath as office furniture, insulation, and other materials being blown out onto the street. The Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, a 245-room establishment dating back to 1920, is known as "The Waggoner Building" and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured officials that he was ready to provide additional personnel and resources to ensure the safety of Texans in the area. The cause of the explosion is believed to be a gas leak, and authorities are investigating whether the blast originated from a restaurant undergoing construction within the hotel. The smell of gas was reported in the vicinity, and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Eleven people were initially reported injured, but the number later increased to 21. Aerial footage revealed sections of wall and window frames blown out from the first and second floors of the building. Insulation and shattered glass were strewn across the sidewalk and road. The Fort Worth Fire Department stated that one hotel guest had been accounted for.

Adam Woods, a valet at the hotel, witnessed the explosion and described seeing smoke everywhere. He expressed his relief at narrowly avoiding the blast, stating that he was just seconds away from turning down the street when it occurred. The Fort Worth Police Department blocked off a two-block radius around the hotel to ensure the safety of residents.

The Fort Worth Police Department urged people to stay away from the scene and referred to the incident as a "major incident." The Fort Worth Fire Department conducted a preliminary investigation and suggested that a gas leak may have caused the explosion. However, it remains unclear whether the gas smell was a result of the explosion or the cause of it.

The city's fire department set up a family reunification area at Sundance Square, and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed her thoughts and prayers for those affected by the explosion. Congressman Chip Roy also sent his condolences and support to the victims and first responders involved in the incident.