Photo: Khosro / Shutterstock.com Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson has issued a statement on an explosion and a subsequent structure fire in Oak Cliff.
The statement, released late last night (Thursday, May 28), said that Dallas Fire-Rescue "responded to a reported gas leak at an apartment complex in Oak Cliff. As firefighters from the nearby Station 15 were arriving, a devastating explosion occurred."
Johnson explained that the situation "escalated to a five-alarm response, with hundreds of personnel deployed to the scene."
The fire is still being extinguished at the date of publication, and recovery efforts continue. At the moment, officials could not offer information regarding the final toll, "but it is already high", explained the mayor.
"The survivors of this tragedy lost their homes and everything in them. And there are families grieving loved ones who perished. The needs of our neighbors will be great. But the most important thing we can-and must-do as a community right now is pray.
We must pray for the individuals who tragically lost their lives, and we must pray for their families as they endure this unforeseen grief. We must pray for the injured, and we must pray for those who have lost their homes and their belongings."
The mayor also urged the community to come together in the coming weeks to support those affected and help with their recovery, with help expected from partner organizations like Dallas ISD, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Family Gateway, and others.
"I want to recognize our Dallas firefighters and first responders whose bravery, heroism, and professionalism were on full display today. They were on the scene within minutes, contained the blaze, and spent hours bringing down the fire," added the statement.
Firefighters' search and rescue work and tending to the injured continue, but, explained the mayor, their "swift and courageous work" helped prevent additional damage.
Dallas Fire-Rescue are currently involved in the recovery and excavation operations.
"There is still much work to be done, and they will remain onsite for at least 24 hours. Please keep the community and all our first responders in your prayers during this time," the statement ended.