WASHINGTON, Jan 9: A gas leak is suspected to be the cause of an explosion that resulted in 21 injuries at the Downtown Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday. According to NBC NEWS, the blast occurred at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel and is believed to have been triggered by a "some type of gas leak," as reported by the Fort Worth Fire Department. Craig Trojacek, a spokesperson for the Fire Department, mentioned that multiple calls from the vicinity reported an explosion, and there was a noticeable smell of gas in the area. It remains unclear whether the gas smell preceded the explosion or if it was a consequence of the blast.

The initial count of injuries was later revised to 21 from the initial 11, with one individual in critical condition and four others in serious condition. The remaining individuals sustained minor cuts, according to officials. Trojacek also revealed that 26 rooms at the hotel were occupied at the time of the explosion.