FORT WORTH, Texas – The aftermath of an explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth continues to affect nearby businesses. The blast, which injured 21 people, including three employees of a newly opened restaurant in the hotel’s basement, has led to street closures and temporary closures of nearby establishments. The explosion, described as the loudest sound ever heard by one witness, left a scene that resembled a war zone.
The owner of Basic Bar, located close to the hotel, was doing inventory when the explosion occurred, and described the impact as “horrific.” Streets surrounding the hotel, including Throckmorton Street, Houston Street, and West 8th Street, have been closed by the Fort Worth fire and police departments, leading to temporary closures of businesses in the area.
The Asian fusion and sushi restaurant, Musume, was closed at the time of the explosion, but three employees were injured and hospitalized. The extent of the damage to the restaurant is still unknown, and plans to relocate or rebuild have not been made. The parent company of Musume, Rock Libations, has reassigned the affected employees to its other establishments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, located inside The Fort Worth Club, also closed its doors temporarily following the explosion. Other businesses, such as Buffalo Bros and Waters, offered support to first responders by providing meals and takeout.
The future of the affected businesses remains uncertain, as they navigate through the aftermath of the explosion. The community is coming together to support the affected establishments, with the hope that they can recover and resume operations soon.
In conclusion, the explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth has caused significant disruptions to nearby businesses. Plans to assess the damage and the possibility of relocating or rebuilding are under consideration, as the community shows support for the affected establishments. The road to recovery for these businesses may be long, but the hope is that they will be able to reopen and resume normal operations in the near future.