FACT BRIEF

Do Fort Worth authorities suspect foul play in the Sandman Hotel explosion?

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

By Emily Wolf

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The explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel Jan. 8 has the characteristics of a natural gas explosion, the Fort Worth Fire Department said. Officials are investigating the exact cause of the explosion.

Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes and Fort Worth Fire Department Chief Jim Davis said Jan. 9 there is no indication that the explosion was intentional. They pushed back against rumors on social media that suggested a car bomb or other purposeful action was to blame.

“There was a conversation through social media about nefarious actors, of people trying to damage the building purposely. … We have no evidence of that,” Davis said.

The explosion injured 21 people in downtown Fort Worth. No fatalities have been reported, but one victim remained in critical condition as of Jan. 11.

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Sources

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Restaurant worker burned in Fort Worth hotel explosion ‘fighting for her life,’ family says

City of Fort Worth CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION on 2024-01-09 1:00 PM

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