Dallas apartment explosion injures multiple people, sparks massive fire

A massive explosion and fire rocked a Dallas apartment complex Thursday, sending thick black smoke into the sky and leaving multiple people injured.

(NBC)- A massive explosion and fire rocked a Dallas apartment complex Thursday, sending thick black smoke into the sky and leaving multiple people injured.

Emergency dispatchers initially reported a “two-story apartment complex, natural gas explosion, multiple victims” as firefighters rushed to the scene. Video from the area showed flames engulfing the structure while police blocked off surrounding streets and turned residents away from the dangerous scene. Witnesses described hearing a powerful blast before seeing the fire.

“We were inside and then what we heard was like a boom,” one resident said.

Fire crews spent hours battling the blaze and searching through piles of rubble left behind by the explosion. Assistant Fire Chief Russ said four people were transported to hospitals, though their conditions were not immediately known. Residents returned to find widespread destruction where their homes once stood.

NBC station KXAS reported that a contractor had been working at the apartment building Thursday and struck a gas line. It remains unclear what type of work was underway at the time of the incident.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the explosion as the investigation continues.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called on the community to support those affected by the tragedy.

“I want to encourage our entire city, this entire state, the entire nation to come together and pray for all the people, all the families who are affected by this tragedy we are experiencing here today in our city,” Johnson said.