Fiery gas explosions sent debris flying and unleashed massive plumes of smoke near downtown Dallas today, prompting officials to shut down two major interstates and evacuate businesses within a half-mile of the blaze.
At least three people were hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening after the explosion at Southwest Industrial Gases in the 500 block of South Industrial Boulevard just south of downtown.
The plant has played a key role in the local construction boom, hauling acetylene gas from the Houston area and feeding it into a supply chain that serves local welders.