US: Explosion reportedly due to gas prompts emergency response at Sandman Signature Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 8 /update 1

Emergency crews are continuing their response to an explosion that occurred at the Sandman Signature Hotel located at 810 Houston Street in Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 8. Reports indicate that at least 11 people have been injured in the incident, and one individual is still missing. While authorities did not immediately state the blast's cause, reports suggest that it was due to natural gas. Additionally, emergency service officials report receiving calls regarding gas odor immediately before the incident; however, authorities are still assessing the situation. Police have cordoned off the area and asked the public to maintain a two-block radius from the incident site.

Increased security and localized business and transport disruptions are almost certain over the coming hours and possibly days as response/clean-up operations and investigations continue.