At least three people, one of whom was a child, died after a fire destroyed an apartment complex on Friday, according to local authorities. Fire crews were initially dispatched to the location following reports of a gas leak before the structure became fully engulfed in flames.
The Dallas Fire Department confirmed the fatalities and stated that other residents of the building remain unaccounted for. Officials have not yet released the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. The exact number of individuals who are unaccounted for has not been specified as emergency personnel continue to work at the scene.
According to a statement from fire officials, the first emergency calls reported a gas leak at the address. Shortly after crews arrived, a fire broke out and spread rapidly throughout the multi-unit dwelling. The resulting blaze caused the complete destruction of the apartment building.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed if the initial reports of a gas leak are connected to the origin of the blaze.
Further information is expected to be released as search and recovery efforts continue and investigators assess the scene.
