The Dallas County Democratic Party has reported that Sylvia Collins, a Precinct Chair, is currently unaccounted for following an apartment explosion in Oak Cliff that occurred on Thursday. Party officials confirmed that Collins resided in the affected building.
Tragically, the explosion has resulted in at least three confirmed fatalities, including a child, with several others receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. The fire broke out around 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of East 9th Street and North Patton Avenue, reportedly triggered by a gas leak.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the party expressed their concern for Collins, stating, “Sylvia is a tireless advocate for our community. We are holding Sylvia, her family, and all those who love her close in our hearts as we await more information.”
Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed the tragic loss of three individuals in the explosion, which included two women and a child. Recovery operations are ongoing, with emergency crews remaining on-site throughout the night. Displaced residents will be provided with hotel accommodations.
Witnesses reported that Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were responding to a gas leak when the explosion occurred. Eyewitness accounts and aerial footage captured by SKY 4 revealed a small apartment complex engulfed in flames, with neighboring buildings sustaining damage and debris strewn across the street. A utility truck was also impacted by the fire.
A significant plume of black smoke was visible across Dallas, prompting the Dallas Fire-Rescue to escalate their response to five alarms, deploying over 100 firefighters to the scene.
