At least 3 dead, 5 hurt after large explosion destroys Dallas apartment building, officials say

A large explosion after a reported gas leak leveled a Dallas apartment building and prompted a massive response from Dallas Fire-Rescue on Thursday afternoon. At least three people were killed and at least five people were injured, officials confirmed.

The address, 409 E 9th St., corresponds to the El Ricardo apartment building. It is located just east of the Bishop Arts neighborhood, north of the Dallas Zoo and south of downtown.

Aerial images showed a severely damaged building with flames and thick black smoke pouring from the wreckage. Fire crews had contained the flames by 4 p.m., DFR said, except hot spot flare-ups occurring as fire personnel continue combing through debris from the collapsed two-story structure.