Dallas Apartment Complex Fire Claims Lives, Leaves Four Injured

Mon Jun 01 2026 08:13:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A massive blaze tore through a two‑story rental building on Dallas' outskirts, killing at least two and injuring another four. Firefighters fought the fire after a gas leak‑induced explosion, and authorities are still searching for missing residents.

A gas‑leak sparked an explosion that set a Dallas apartment building ablaze. The resulting fire produced huge plumes of black smoke and forced an intensive rescue effort. Dallas Fire‑Rescue Deputy Chief Mark Berry confirmed fatalities; Assistant Chief James Russ reported four injuries. While the blaze has been contained, crews are conducting primary searches in the rubble, and a family reunification center has opened nearby. Residents and witnesses describe the shocking noise and smoke, and authorities continue to track victims.

A gas leak on the outskirts of downtown Dallas blew up a two‑story apartment complex, creating a massive fire that ash‑plumed the sky on Thursday afternoon. Dallas Fire‑Rescue Deputy Chief Mark Berry announced at a news conference that “there have been fatalities at this point,” and the mission has shifted from rescue to recovery. The blaze left the building as a blackened shell and caused at least four injuries, according to Assistant Chief James Russ.

Images from the incident show the apartment building reduced to smoke and scorched concrete. Firefighters deployed to the scene early, with a large motorized “cavalry” unit arriving as the building began to erupt in flames.

During the emergency response, dozens of firefighters combed through the smoldering rubble while others continued to douse the debris with water.

“We had the cavalry coming,” Berry said, noting that the explosion had already occurred before they could respond.

City officials stated that no maintenance work was underway at the site when the explosion happened.

In the aftermath, authorities established a family reunification center at a nearby high school. Frances Rizo was still searching for a friend who was in the building, saying, “She’s not answering her phone.”

Residents close to the blaze reported terrifying sounds and sudden vibrations. Julie Jensen, who lived less than a block away, said the noise made her ears ring, and she heard walls tumble.

I was sitting on my couch watching TV — stuff flew off our walls, Jensen recalled.

Neighbor Sal De La Rosa, who worked at an auto repair shop nearby, heard a “big boom” and felt the building shake. We felt where the building kind of shook a little bit, he said, adding that a coworker saw thick, black smoke rising into the air.

Firefighters have contained the fire, but primary searches in the wreckage continue. Russ added, “The fire is contained, but our members are still working on the scene to do primary searches.”

Associated Press reporters Jim Vertuno (Austin, Texas) and Russ Bynum (Savannah, Georgia) contributed to this story.