We’re starting to learn more about the 21 people injured in the explosion that rocked the Sandman Hotel in downtown Fort Worth on Monday afternoon.
In their last update of the day, emergency officials in Fort Worth said one patient was in critical condition after the blast, four others were facing serious injuries, and 16 people were left with minor injuries.
On Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Sandman Hotel sent an update via email.
“Our hearts remain with everyone who was affected, and we continue to stay in close contact and provide support to team members who have been injured. Our primary focus is supporting those who have been impacted, as well as the safety and well-being of staff, guests, and the local community,” the spokesperson said. “We are also working with the fire department to contact our guests and reunite them with their belongings as quickly as possible. We want to thank the first responders, local officials, the city and council, and the state for their support during this difficult time. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation.”
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A hotel employee spoke to NBC 5 on the condition of anonymity as they fear they could lose their job.
The images of dust, blood, and chaos replay in their mind.
“Right now, I am scared,” the employee said. “My chest hurts a lot. And my face stings.”
According to the anonymous employee, they remember smelling a strong odor of natural gas from the moment they stepped out of their vehicle.
“From the moment I got to work, it smelled a lot like natural gas. My coworkers had told me they had smelt the same thing all day. But everyone seemed calm as if nothing were wrong.”
The employee said a maintenance worker was tending to the issue.
“But it wasn’t anything they could fix. So, I just saw him walking back and forth,” the employee said.
JPS Hospital in Fort Worth sent notice that it had received four of the injured patients. A spokesperson for Medstar told NBC 5 that the remaining 17 patients were split between Harris Hospital and Baylor Scott and White All Saints Hospital.
NBC 5 has learned three of the people injured in the explosion were employees at Musume sushi restaurant at the Sandman Hotel where the blast happened. According to the restaurant, there were 10 employees working at the time of the explosion. As of Tuesday afternoon, only one of the three injured remains in the hospital and listed in stable condition.
“All of us at Musume are devastated by the tragic explosion that took place this afternoon at the Sandman Signature Hotel, which is the home of our restaurant,” said restaurant co-founder Josh Babb. “Luckily, Musume was closed during the time of the explosion, so we had no customers dining and limited employees working.”
In an email, the Musume said while a fund for affected has not been established, it is being considered.
“We will be sure to send updates and be transparent as more information comes in," Babb said.
The local nonprofit, Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation also stated they are exploring ways to help the injured.
"The foundation is working with hotel staff and currently assessing the needs and best way to support the restaurant employees," Holland Sanders-Lopez with Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation said.
Meanwhile, others felt the urge to provide immediate help.
Jon Bonnell of Bonnell Restaurant Group which includes Buffalo Bros in Sundance Square, extended his services to first responders shortly after Monday's explosion.
In a Facebook post, Bonnell said in part, "To any and all first responders in downtown tonight, Buffalo Bros Sundance is open and dinner or takeout is on the house."
Multiple first responders accepted the gesture.
"Between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., they started coming in a few at a time," Bonnell said. "The response here was amazing... Customers were patting them on the back asking to pick up their tab. That's the Fort Worth way. Everybody wants to help."
However, Bonnell made sure to take care of the first responders and investigators that worked throughout the night to remove debris and find the source of the suspected natural gas leak.
"You know, it just really breaks your heart such a beautiful hotel and historic building," Bonnell said.
Caren Penland, is proud of her community and also wanted to give her thanks to those helping restore morale.
"Well, I feel that it's very important when something like this happens that we come together as a community," Penland said. "It's so easy to just help out a little bit in any way that we can pitch in. And today is such a cold day, we just thought hot coffee would be nice."
NBC 5 is continuing to work to identify those recovering from the explosion and share their stories.
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