Newly-obtained 911 calls shed light on the chaotic aftermath of an explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. The blast, which occurred on January 8, left 21 people injured and caused extensive damage to the historic hotel.
In one of the 911 calls, Angela Cockroft, stuck in an elevator with her husband, urgently pleaded for help. The operator assured her that assistance was on the way and asked for their location. Despite the confusion, Angela managed to provide the address, 800 Houston Street, before smoke started filling the elevator. She advised her husband to use his shirt as a makeshift filter.
Moments later, the doors opened, and the couple made their escape, joining other guests in evacuating the hotel. One caller reported that all the windows of the 121-year-old building had been blown out, while another described the explosion as a “big, big loud bang.”
As emergency services arrived, nearby buildings were advised to shelter in place. The cause of the explosion was initially believed to be a gas leak, as construction work was ongoing in the hotel’s basement at the time. However, official confirmation is still pending.
The aftermath of the explosion was captured in photographs, showing shattered windows, debris scattered on the street, and a significant hole in the sidewalk. The severity of the incident prompted multiple lawsuits on behalf of the victims.
Despite the chaos and potential dangers, first responders acted swiftly to secure the area and assist those affected. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the safety of the community.
In conclusion, the explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, caused widespread chaos and left 21 people injured. The incident, likely caused by a gas leak, resulted in significant damage to the historic hotel. Emergency services responded promptly, and the investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
