Explosion at Dallas Apartment Complex Kills Three

Investigations are ongoing at the formerly named El Ricardo apartment complex in Oak Cliff, Dallas at 409 East 9th Street after an explosion ripped through the building on Thursday, killing at least three and injuring five.

Dallas Fire-Rescue officials addressed the press on Thursday night, stating that the victims included two adult women and one child, according to the Dallas Morning News. On the same night, officials stated that they do not have a confirmed number of people who are unaccounted for.

The fire was set off by a natural gas explosion. DFR said they responded to reports of a gas leak around noon, which quickly became a fire after first responders arrived at the scene. By around 3:30 CST, the alert was raised to five alarms. Officials later confirmed the natural gas explosion.

In the near future, the National Transportation Safety Board said it will send a team to Oak Cliff to investigate the explosion, according to their official social media accounts. The NTSB investigates plane crashes and other serious accidents involving natural gas.

Several media sources reported that a contractor was working in the building that day, and may have struck a gas line. Atmos Energy confirmed to NBC 5 that a construction crew damaged a natural gas pipeline near the building.

NBC 5 Investigates said the city’s Planning and Development Department was aware of two applications in 2026 for possible redevelopment of the apartment building. All projects were in the exploration phase, with no shovels hitting dirt.

According to KERA News, Samuel A. Afalo is one owner listed on Dallas County Appraisal District records for the building. He declined to comment. The publication did not list the other names included on the appraisal records. The apartment complex was small – only 23 units and two stories, with a valuation a bit over $1.5 million.
— Hunter Cooke