At least three people, including a child, were killed after a powerful explosion ripped through an apartment complex in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas on Thursday, triggering a massive fire and panic among residents. Authorities said the blast occurred while firefighters were responding to reports of a gas leak at the two-story building.

Officials from the Dallas Fire-Rescue department confirmed that at least five others were hospitalized with injuries. Rescue teams continued searching through the charred debris late into the evening, warning that more victims could still be trapped beneath the rubble. Thick black smoke from the blaze was visible across large parts of the city.

Deputy Chief Mark Berry said emergency crews had already been dispatched after a gas leak complaint when the explosion suddenly took place. “We had the cavalry coming, but the explosion had already taken place,” he said. Firefighters later described the incident as one of the most severe residential fires the department had handled in recent times.

Also Read: India's $500 Billion US Goods Commitment: Experts Warn Deal Could Hurt Trade Balance

Natural gas provider Atmos Energy said a construction crew unrelated to the company had reportedly damaged a gas pipeline near the site before the blast. Gas supply to the surrounding area was shut off as investigators and emergency teams examined the cause of the explosion.

Residents described scenes of chaos and devastation. One resident, Kacee Proctor, said her mother had noticed the smell of gas inside the apartment building a day earlier. Proctor was not home at the time of the blast but feared for her pet cat that remained trapped inside. Several neighbors were seen evacuating with children and pets as flames engulfed the building.

Authorities set up a reunification center at a nearby high school as anxious families searched for missing relatives. Witnesses said the blast shook nearby homes and businesses, with some residents reporting objects falling from walls due to the force of the explosion. Firefighters continued combing through the smoldering remains overnight as officials worked to determine the full extent of the tragedy.

Also Read: NEET UG 2026 Fee Refund: Deadline Extended to June 22 as 13 Lakh Submit Bank Details