At least four people were hospitalized Thursday in a major fire at an apartment complex in Oak Cliff.
Dallas Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief James Russ said crews were called to respond to a gas leak near East 9th Street and Patton Avenue at about 12:47 p.m. By the time they arrived at 12:49, it was "quickly upgraded to a second-alarm fire."
As of 3:30, the fire had been contained but crews were still on the scene.
He said the four unidentified people were taken to the hospital in unknown condition.
"At this time, it is unknown how many possible fatalities we may have," he said.
A drone is canvassing the area to look for other possible victims.
The complex is across the street from WH Adamson High School. In a statement, Dallas ISD said everyone was safe following the explosion and no students were on campus when the incident occurred.
A family assistance center has been set up at the high school. The Dallas Police Department is asking people to stay away from the scene of the fire.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said he told city council member Chad West, whose district the explosion happened in, the city would do everything it could to help the affected families.
“But the most important thing right now is we come together as a community and pray,” Johnson said.
Ninth Street was blocked off with more than a dozen emergency vehicles, including a firetruck with a water canon spraying onto the apartment from a boom ladder.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available.
