Fort Worth, Texas – The Department of Labor is investigating a lapse in the federal investigation into the explosion at the Sandman Hotel in January. The inquiry concluded without any action due to the statute of limitations expiring.
According to an OSHA document obtained by WFAA, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator assigned to the case missed months of work following emergency surgery. The investigator, known as a Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO), did not provide any notes, narrative, interviews, or photos for the investigation. The case was closed on May 27 after surpassing the statute of limitations for issuing violations.
Despite protocols for a new investigator to take over a caseload when a worker is unable to perform their duties, no additional investigator stepped in to examine the explosion at the Sandman Hotel. The blast injured 21 people and caused significant damage to the historic building and the street in front of it. Among those injured were at least two hotel employees, prompting the OSHA investigation.
The cause of the explosion, characterized as a gas explosion in the hotel, has not been definitively determined by the Fort Worth Fire Department. The Department of Labor emphasized the importance of proper workplace incident investigations and vowed to address the issue with the OSHA probe.
In response to the incident, the hotel owner reaffirmed a commitment to rebuilding efforts, with clean-up and debris removal completed. Repair and replacement plans are underway, with anticipation of reopening in the near future. Community support has been vital during this challenging time, with hopes to welcome guests back soon.