Multiple blocks of downtown Fort Worth may be closed ‘several days’ after hotel blast

Multiple blocks of downtown Fort Worth could be closed for days as authorities investigate Monday’s explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel and work to clean up debris.

Police cordoned off more than a dozen blocks Monday night. By Tuesday morning, authorities said street closures included two blocks each of Throckmorton and Houston, from West Seventh to West Ninth.

Anything inside that area is considered a “hot zone” and potentially unsafe, according to Fort Worth Police Department spokesman Officer Jimmy Pollozani.

“This is going to take several days,” Pollozani said of the cleanup efforts.

Businesses inside the hot zone area will remain closed. Those outside of that vicinity can use their discretion on whether to remain open. Employees who work in the area can call 817-392-8866 for more information.

The Sandman hotel occupies part of a block between Throckmorton and Houston streets. Photos from the explosion showed substantial damage to West Eighth Street.

The blast occurred along what was scheduled to be the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s “All Western” Parade on Saturday morning. Organizers said Tuesday they still hope to stage the parade but no decisions had been made.

Authorities also said no decision had been made yet about the 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade and Rally that is scheduled for Monday.

This story was originally published January 9, 2024 at 10:55 AM.

Matt Leclercq

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Matt Leclercq is senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously was an editor at USA Today in Washington, national news editor at Gatehouse Media in Austin, and executive editor of The Fayetteville (NC) Observer. He’s a New Orleans native.