Fort Worth, Texas – A lawsuit has been filed in response to the explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in Fort Worth. The lawsuit accuses the hotel, its ownership company, and natural gas company Atmos Energy of negligence. The explosion, which occurred three days ago, injured 21 people and prompted the closure of neighboring streets.
The downtown area has begun to return to normalcy, with the reopening of Houston Street and West 7th Street. This move has allowed some businesses to resume operations, as Atmos Energy works to reconnect gas lines for heat. However, the investigation into the blast is ongoing, as West 8th Street and Throckmorton Street remain closed.
One man, Christopher Medearis, has taken legal action, claiming he was injured while running from the explosion. His lawsuit alleges that the hotel and Northland Properties failed to ensure safety and that Atmos Energy did not adequately detect gas leaks. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined by the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Becky Fetty with Downtown Fort Worth Inc. expressed relief at the reopening of the streets, calling it a positive sign. Meanwhile, Gary Klume, who narrowly avoided being at the hotel during the explosion, emphasized the seriousness of the incident. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the impact the explosion had on individuals, as the investigation continues.
The legal action taken by Christopher Medearis serves as a response to the tragedy at the Sandman Signature Hotel. As the downtown area begins to recover, the investigation into the explosion and the search for answers continue.