FORT WORTH, Texas — The Sandman Signature Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, was rocked by an explosion on January 8, leaving 21 people injured, one critically. The incident caused significant damage to the hotel’s structure and the surrounding area, with blown-out windows and debris scattered on the streets.
911 Calls Capture the Chaos
The aftermath of the explosion was captured in a series of harrowing 911 calls. Angela Cockroft, one of the victims, found herself trapped in an elevator with her husband, Scott. Amidst the smoke, she desperately advised using a shirt to filter the air. However, 911 operators urged callers to remain inside the building, despite the imminent danger, to avoid hazards outside.
The Suspected Cause
The Fort Worth Fire Department indicated that the explosion was likely triggered by a gas leak, aligning with ongoing construction activities at the hotel at the time of the incident. However, an official confirmation on the cause is pending as investigators focus on the hotel’s basement, where the most severely injured victims were discovered.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Investigation
In the aftermath of the explosion, multiple lawsuits have been filed on behalf of the victims. Photographs from the scene reveal the extent of the damage, including a gaping hole in the sidewalk. As the investigation progresses, attention is concentrated on the interior of the 121-year-old building, where the gas leak is suspected to have originated. The legal repercussions and ongoing probe aim to provide answers and ensure accountability for the devastating incident in the heart of Fort Worth.
