Gas Explosion Destroys Dallas Apartment Building, Several Injured and Fatalities Reported

A devastating gas explosion leveled the El Ricardo apartment building in Dallas on Thursday afternoon, injuring at least four people and resulting in multiple fatalities, city officials confirmed. The blast occurred shortly after 12:47 p.m. at 409 E 9th St., near the Oak Cliff neighborhood, just east of the Bishop Arts district.

Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a gas leak call at the complex before the explosion erupted, escalating the incident from a two-alarm to a five-alarm fire. Deputy Chief Mark D. Berry said during an evening news conference, “Our first responders, while they were en route to that gas leak, a subsequent explosion occurred.” He confirmed fatalities but did not specify the number, noting that 11 residents remain unaccounted for amid ongoing search and recovery efforts.

Fire crews battled thick black smoke and flames pouring from the wreckage, with 115 firefighters and 71 units on scene by mid-afternoon. Assistant Fire Chief James Russ stated the fire was contained by 4 p.m., but search operations continued. “We are still in the process of locating victims,” said DFR spokesperson Jason Evans.

At least four individuals were transported to area hospitals. Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Parkland Health both reported receiving patients in good condition. The Dallas Medical Examiner was present at the scene as recovery efforts proceeded.

Atmos Energy reported that a construction crew unrelated to the company struck a natural gas pipeline near the building just before the explosion. Technicians remain onsite working with emergency personnel, and natural gas service in the immediate area has been shut off as investigations continue.

Witnesses described hearing a massive blast and seeing people fleeing the area. One resident, Oliver Jimenez, recounted feeling his own apartment shake and witnessing a young girl barely escaping the debris before the fire intensified. “We started running,” he said.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson expressed his condolences and urged the community to support those affected. “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,” he said.

A family reunification center has been established at W. H. Adamson High School to assist those impacted by the disaster. Officials continue to investigate the cause and search for missing residents as the operation transitions from rescue to recovery mode.