A powerful gas explosion hits an apartment complex in Dallas on Thursday, and the blast is followed by a major fire. Officials say three people—two women and a child—die in the incident. Dallas firefighters respond to a fast-moving blaze that engulfs the building, sending black smoke into the sky and leaving parts of the structure severely damaged. Video footage shows crews battling the flames as the apartment complex collapses or is left heaped on the ground.
At a televised briefing, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials say the initial explosion is linked to natural gas. NBC News reports that officials believe the blast is connected to work at the building, with a contractor possibly striking a gas line. Authorities also conduct an urgent search for anyone reported missing. While the immediate cause is described as a gas line incident, investigators continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged strike and the timeline leading to the explosion.
