What we know about the explosion at a southeast Oak Cliff apartment complex

Updated 1:10 p.m .: Revised to include additional information on the displaced residents and assistance to those affected by the explosion.

Hundreds of people were displaced and eight others, including four firefighters, were injured Wednesday morning after an explosion tore up a residential complex in southeast Oak Cliff.

The investigation into the explosion continued on Wednesday evening. Here’s what we know now.

What caused the explosion?

Dallas Fire Rescue officers were called to the Highland Hills Apartments on the 5700 block of Highland Hills Drive near Simpson Stuart and Bonnie View Streets at around 10:20 a.m.

Dallas Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Evans said Wednesday evening there was “currently no indication” of the cause of the explosion, but said earlier that day that residents had reported a gas smell in the apartment the night before.

After an apartment explosion on Highland Hills Drive in southeast Dallas, Wednesday, September 29, 2021, blown windows can be seen in an adjacent building. A natural gas explosion tore the building apart, injuring people and firefighters who arrived on site over the smell of natural gas. (Tom Fox / The Dallas Morning News via AP)(Tom Fuchs)

Officials have raised concerns that the explosion could have been caused by a natural gas leak.

Atmos Energy issued a statement last night saying its crews had not found any problems with the gas lines when they checked it after the explosion.

“After we checked that the gas meter supplying the apartment complex had been turned off, our highly qualified technicians began the security check of the Atmos Energy system,” the utility company said. “Atmos Energy confirmed that our system was working as expected and we found no evidence that our system was involved.

What is the status of the injured?

Of the four injured firefighters, three were in critical but stable condition at Parkland Memorial Hospital Wednesday night, Evans said. The fourth was treated in a local hospital and has since been released.

All four injured civilians were released from the hospital last night, Evans said. Three of the injured were treated in parkland.

Dallas Fire and Rescue work at the site of an apartment explosion on Highland Hills Drive in southeast Dallas, Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Dallas Fire and Rescue work at the site of an apartment explosion on Highland Hills Drive in southeast Dallas, Wednesday, September 29, 2021. (Tom Fuchs)

What happens to the displaced residents?

Evans said there were 10 units of the apartment in the area of ​​the explosion. The residents of these units have been accounted for, he said.

As officials continued the investigation, the entire complex was supplied with gas and the building where the explosion took place was demolished due to its instability, Evans said. About 300 people were displaced.

The lower floor of an apartment explosion and fire can be seen behind a band of fire on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 in the 5700 block of Highland Hills Drive in southeast Dallas.  A natural gas explosion tore apart an apartment building and injured 3 people and 4 firefighters who arrived on site to investigate the smell of natural gas.  (Tom Fox / Dallas Morning News) The lower floor of an apartment explosion and fire can be seen behind a band of fire on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 in the 5700 block of Highland Hills Drive in southeast Dallas. A natural gas explosion tore apart an apartment building and injured 3 people and 4 firefighters who arrived on site to investigate the smell of natural gas. (Tom Fox / Dallas Morning News) (Tom Fox / employee photographer)

The American Red Cross said it had established a reception area at the Tommy M. Allen Recreation Center at 7071 Bonnie View Road, about 2 miles from the complex, to meet the immediate needs of residents.

The reception center has been closed since then, but the Red Cross said 150 people from around 60 families had checked in to get accommodation.

The Red Cross will provide housing such as food, water, mental support and health care, and connect residents to community resources for additional support.

Evans said Dallas Fire-Rescue, the city’s Office of Emergency Management and the management of the apartment complex are also working to assist residents affected by the blast.

The Red Cross said some families may be allowed to return to their homes once they are deemed safe. People who have been affected by the incident and need assistance can call the Red Cross at 1-800-ROT-KREUZ (1-800-733-2767).

How can you help those affected?

The Red Cross does not currently accept donations in kind, but people can register to volunteer online. Financial donations for general disaster relief can be made here.

Jim McDade, president of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association, said a relief fund had not yet been set up for the injured firefighters, but donations were being made through the Local 58 Relief Fund, which helps union members in financial difficulties. It is unclear whether the injured firefighters belong to this group.

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