FORT WORTH, Texas – A restaurant worker in Dallas has filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy, the Sandman Signature Hotel, and the companies that own and manage the hotel, claiming that he had reported the smell of gas 90 minutes before the explosion occurred. The lawsuit was filed in response to an explosion that rocked the hotel on Monday, injuring 21 people and causing significant damage to the surrounding area.
According to the lawsuit, the worker, Jose Mira, had reported the smell of gas to the management at 2 p.m. on the day of the explosion, and was told that the smell had been noticed earlier that morning. The explosion occurred at about 3:30 p.m., causing severe injuries to Mira and other individuals. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of gross negligence and failing to ensure a safe environment for employees.
In response to the lawsuit, a Dallas County judge granted a one-week restraining order preventing further cleanup of debris. This is the second lawsuit filed against the gas company and hotel management since the explosion. Atmos Energy has stated that there is no indication its equipment or gas lines were involved in the explosion following its own investigation and safety checks.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, although investigators believe it may have been caused by a gas leak. The hotel, located in the 20-story Waggoner building, was opened in March 2023 and is operated by Northland Properties, owned by Tom Gaglardi, who also owns the Dallas Stars. Attorneys for Mira are seeking at least $1 million in damages and have stated their intention to bring in a cause and origin expert to investigate the explosion.
The explosion has raised concerns about safety and oversight in the hospitality industry, and the ongoing investigations will hopefully shed light on the cause of the incident. As the legal process unfolds, the impact of the explosion on the injured individuals and the surrounding community will continue to be an area of focus for authorities and legal representatives.