Emergency crews responded Thursday to a massive blaze at a Dallas apartment complex that caused at least one building to collapse, sending thick black smoke into the air and covering the ground with debris.
Television footage captured dozens of emergency responders working at the scene. Some directed water hoses at smoldering rubble while others moved charred lumber and debris, appearing to search for anyone who might be trapped beneath. Two firefighters positioned on extended ladders aimed water at the flames from above, while another directed a stream from a window in an adjacent structure.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and officials have not released information about potential injuries.
Emergency vehicles including fire trucks, ambulances and police cars with flashing lights filled a nearby street.
Julie Jensen, who lives less than a block away, said she heard what sounded like an explosion that made her ears ring.
“I was sitting on my couch watching TV — stuff flew off our walls,” Jensen said.
After looking outside and seeing smoke rising with neighbors fleeing the area, Jensen grabbed her family’s cat and evacuated to a nearby parking lot where she waited until it was safe to go home.
A spokesperson for Dallas Fire-Rescue did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Dallas Police Department directed all inquiries to fire officials.
