Apartment building partially collapses, 7 injured

A Dallas apartment building has partially collapsed after firefighters were called to investigate a carbon monoxide leak, authorities said. It is unclear what caused the explosion, fire officials said.

Apartment building partially collapses, 7 injured

When firefighters arrived at the South Dallas apartment building around 10:30 a.m. local time, they noticed an odor of gas around the building, according to Dallas Fire Rescue.

An explosion occurred as fire crews investigated the scene, causing the two-story building to partially collapse, authorities said.

The fire was producing flames and heavy smoke at 11 a.m., Dallas Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Evans told reporters at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. At least half of the building appeared to be heavily damaged and piles of debris could be seen strewn about the structure.

“The damage is extensive,” Evans said. “The collapse itself is extensive.”

Seven people, including four firefighters, were injured in the explosion and were transported to local hospitals. Three firefighters are in critical condition; and the rest of the victims are expected to be released from the hospital, according to Dallas Fire Rescue.

Residents began reporting the smell of gas as early as Tuesday night, Evans said. He did not give details about the initial investigation into those reports.

It’s unclear what caused the explosion, fire officials said. No additional information was immediately available.