At least 11 injured, 1 missing as blast rocks Texas hotel

An explosion at a hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, United States on Monday injured at least 11 people, fire officials said, as pictures from the scene showed streets littered with blown-out glass and debris.

Of the injured, one was in critical condition, two others were in serious condition and a 12th person remained missing following the 3.30pm blast, United Press International quoted the Fort Worth Fire Department as saying in a social media update.

The department said a gas leak likely is the cause of the blast at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, but it remains undetermined if that is the cause.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed windows and doors blown out of the first floor of the multi-story structure, with debris littering the street and smoke rising from the building.

Police said they have closed a two-block radius around the hotel to traffic.

- Bernama

US apex court to review Trump's Colorado ballot eligibility

Covid, flu surge in US amid holidays, increasing health risks

Flu, Covid-19 infections tick up in US

Biden, Xi agree to restore military dialogue, curb fentanyl in high stakes summit

US won't support Gaza reoccupation by Israel