Worker Injured When Blast Rocks Hotel at Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport Hotel
"I would like to commend our guests, paramedics, police, firefighters, and the hotel staff for their cool-headedness during this incident," said Bill Bretches, general manager, Embassy Suites Outdoor World in Grapevine, TX at Dallas/Ft, Worth International Airport. "I would also like to express my sincerest thanks to our colleagues at area hotels, civic leaders, local clergy, the American Red Cross, and the Grapevine community for their support."
Natural gas exploded in the swimming pool maintenance room at approximately 6:25 p.m., Friday evening. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing. An employee of a builder subcontractor was working in the pool area at he time of the blast and suffered burns. On Saturday his condition was downgraded from critical to serious.
"Fortunately, most of the force of the blast was directed away from the main guest areas of the hotel. Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the injured worker, our guests, and their families," said Bretches.
Almost two-thirds of the hotel's 329 guest suites were occupied at the time of the blast, with an additional 65 arrivals expected to arrive later in the evening. Many guests were in the hotel atrium for an evening reception.
The blast activated the hotel fire alarm, and guests were immediately notified of the emergency via the hotel public address system. The hotel was completely evacuated in a matter of minutes.
Guests were assembled in a hotel parking lot away from the property, where hotel staff matched names against the hotel's registration list to ensure that all guests were accounted for. Water and clothing were provided by the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, which is connected to the hotel. Approximately two dozen guests were treated for minor injuries on site—mostly cuts caused by broken glass.
Repairs continue at the hotel, which is expected to re-open this week, pending approval of city officials. The Embassy Suites Outdoor World at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport is owned and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc., based in Springfield, MO.