FORT WORTH, Texas – An explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth prompted a series of frantic 911 calls from witnesses and those directly affected by the blast. The incident, which occurred on Jan. 8, left 21 people injured and caused debris to scatter throughout the downtown streets. The explosion is believed to have originated in the basement floor of the hotel, where the Musume restaurant is located.
One of the first calls to 911 came from a woman stuck in an elevator filled with smoke. As panic crept into her voice, she pleaded for help and guided those with her on how to cover their faces. Meanwhile, other witnesses called in to report the loud explosion and the chaos that ensued. Some reported seeing smoke and debris covering the streets, while others were uncertain about the cause of the explosion.
Scot and Angela Cockroft, who were staying at the hotel, were among the first to call 911 after the blast. They described being stuck in an elevator that stalled after the explosion. The couple managed to force their way out and escape through the emergency stairwell, experiencing lung and throat irritation but avoiding serious injuries.
In addition to eyewitness accounts, a private alarm company reported multiple alarms going off in the hotel building, adding to the chaos and confusion in the aftermath of the explosion. This influx of calls and reports to 911 painted a picture of the widespread impact and panic caused by the incident.
As officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, natural gas provider Atmos has stated that their gas lines did not have any faults or leaks. Despite this assurance, the exact cause of the explosion is still undetermined.
The series of 911 calls released to the public provided a harrowing account of the immediate aftermath of the explosion, highlighting the fear and confusion experienced by those at the scene. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the precise circumstances that led to the explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel.