Dallas Fire-Rescue responds to an apartment complex fire in the 400 block of east 9th Street, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Dallas.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
An investigation is underway after an early afternoon blast and blaze at a north Oak Cliff apartment complex leveled the residential building, killing at least three people and critically injuring a fourth and sending a thick plume of smoke into the air that could be seen for miles.
The blaze prompted a massive response from the Dallas Fire Department with nearly 100 firefighters arriving at the scene to battle what would grow into a five-alarm apartment fire at the building located in the 400 block of east 9th Street in Oak Cliff.
Dallas Fire-Rescue responds to an apartment complex fire in the 400 block of east 9th Street, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Dallas.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Nearby residents look on as Dallas Fire-Rescue works to extinguish an apartment complex fire in the 400 block of east 9th Street, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Dallas.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Onlookers watch as Dallas Fire-Rescue responds to an apartment complex fire in the 400 block of east 9th Street, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Dallas.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
A young girl is given a hug after being escorted from scene of a fire in Oak Cliff, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Michael Cuviello/The Dallas Morning News
Onlookers watch as Dallas Fire-Rescue responds to an apartment complex fire in the 400 block of east 9th Street, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Dallas.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
The first call to 911 occurred just after 12:45 p.m., according to authorities. By 1:30 p.m., more than 30 fire rescue crews were responding. By about 2:20 p.m., the blaze was increased to four alarms.
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Related: 4 injured, fatalities reported in fire at Oak Cliff apartment complex
Fire department spokesperson Jason Evans said the fire was caused by an explosion, and as of 8 p.m. officials said three people were dead, including a child. Three people were rushed for care to a local hospital where one person was listed in critical condition. Two other people transported themselves for medical care but were said to have suffered only minor injuries.
Dallas Fire and Rescue responders began unloading heavy-duty equipment near east 10th Street and Patton Avenue at about 3 p.m.
City officials respond to incident
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said he is monitoring the situation.
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“My prayers are with those injured, their families, and all those who have suffered loss from this tragic event,” he posted on X. “Our Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel responded swiftly and their efforts to fight the fire are ongoing.”
Johnson and Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert were present during a brief afternoon news conference to provide information about the situation and the city’s ongoing response.
Fire victims directed to nearby DISD school
The Dallas Police Department directed those affected by the fire to go to W.H. Adamson High School, where a family assistance center was established.
“Please do not go to the fire scene. All families should go to the high school for assistance and more information,” police posted on X. The school’s last day of classes was Tuesday.
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The American Red Cross has responders on the scene and is working with local emergency management officials, according to Regional Communications Manager Alexis Gonzalez. They have directed those who have been affected by the fire to call the agency at 1-800-733-2767.
Dallas Fire-Rescue works to extinguish an apartment complex fire in the 400 block of east 9th Street, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Dallas.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
About the building
The property is zoned for multifamily housing and was approved by the Dallas City Council on Feb. 11 for a Resolution of Support to pursue state tax credits for affordable housing.
Council member Chad West, who represents North Oak Cliff, told The Dallas Morning News he was at the scene but declined to comment on details about the fire or injuries.
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No code enforcement records for the address were found in the city’s database online.
About the explosion
John Jose, an attorney at Jose & Vaughn, told The Dallas Morning News that gas leaks can be triggered by many different sources – from a homeowner leaving a gas product on to an issue in the pipeline system itself.
Jose said the first step in investigating an explosion is to trace it back to its origin. He added that if the gas had been leaking for a longer period of time before the explosion, it could also medically impact residents.
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This is a developing story and will be updated.