FORT WORTH, Texas – In the aftermath of an explosion at a Fort Worth hotel, a lawsuit has been filed by a restaurant worker who claims to have reported a gas smell just before the incident. The explosion occurred at the Sandman Signature Hotel, where the Musume restaurant is located.
According to the lawsuit, the employee, Jose Mira, allegedly informed a manager about the gas smell 90 minutes before the explosion took place. The lawsuit further alleges that the gas was causing discomfort to Mira’s eyes. His attorney, Eric Mayre, conveyed that the manager dismissed the concern by stating that the smell had been noticed earlier in the day and assured that it was not gas.
In response to the lawsuit, the hotel owner, Northland Properties, stated that they are cooperating with officials to determine the cause of the explosion. Similarly, the Musume restaurant expressed a desire to understand the circumstances leading up to the explosion and how it could have been prevented.
The lawsuit also revealed that Mira was trapped under debris for 30 minutes after the explosion. His attorney reported that Mira suffered head injuries and is experiencing difficulty breathing as a result. Although he has been discharged from the hospital, he continues to suffer from headaches.
Last week, Atmos Energy denied any responsibility for the explosion, and Fort Worth Fire officials have not officially confirmed if gas was the cause. However, they are focusing on investigating the interior of the building to determine the cause.
The lawsuit serves as a significant development in the aftermath of the explosion, shedding light on the actions taken by the restaurant worker before the incident and the subsequent challenges he faced as a result of the explosion. It also underscores the ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the explosion and hold accountable the parties involved.