Shortly after 5 p.m., Dallas Fire Rescue responded to multiple 911 calls regarding an explosion on Wofford Street in southeast Dallas.
DALLAS — Shortly after 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dallas Fire Rescue responded to multiple 911 calls regarding an explosion on Wofford Street in southeast Dallas.
One of the homeowners, Vanessa Escobar, met with WFAA on Sunday.
“It's been tough… it's been tough lately,” Escobar said.
Escobar was inside the house with nine other people, including his mother and two babies, celebrating the holiday.
They were unhurt, but Francisco, a family friend who lived with them, suffered severe burns.
“The most important thing right now is Francisco,” she said.
Escobar said the explosion occurred very close to Francisco's guesthouse.
From his hospital bed, Francisco said in Spanish that he was in severe pain. By the time he realized his house was gone, everything was gone: his furniture, clothes, shoes, savings.
In addition, Escobar told WFAA that Francisco does not have health insurance.
Escobar's 15-year-old daughter Kaylee has started two fundraisers. The first is Francisco's medical and personal expenses.
“He has no one. We are his only family… He has nothing,” she said.
The second option is to help parents rebuild their homes and pay for temporary housing until it is safe to return home.
“I know my parents can't afford to pay all the bills,” she told WFAA. “It's hard to see my mom depressed, isn't it? I know she always wanted her home… It was a first for us [house ever]…and we worked hard for it. ”
Escobar said he had no idea why his home exploded or who was responsible.
“I want to know what happened…I really don't know right now,” Escobar said.
Natural gas supplier Atmos Energy said in a statement that its technicians arrived at the scene and found the system to be “operating normally.”
Atmos said in a statement: “We have found no evidence that our systems were involved.” “Our thoughts are with those injured and affected by this incident. We continue to support Dallas Fire Rescue and all personnel in the investigation.”
Francisco's GoFundMe can be found here. A GoFundMe for the Escobar family can be found here.
