FORT WORTH, Texas — It was the image of a rescue seen around the world.
In the aftermath of an explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in Downtown Fort Worth last Monday, first responders pulled a woman covered in dust from the rubble.
The woman, visibly distressed as she was rescued, is Carmen Hermosillo of Fort Worth. Hermosillo was an employee at the hotel, her family says.
Edwin Diaz, her nephew who lives in Houston, said the family was overwhelmed to learn their loved one was involved in the blast.
“It shocked me,” Diaz said in an interview with WFAA. “It’s a lot of emotions… the thought that she could’ve been gone.”
Hermosillo was among the 21 people injured by the explosion. Her family told WFAA she was trapped underneath the hotel for two hours until rescuers found her unconscious.
“It has taken a toll on her physically, mentally, emotionally,” Diaz said.
Hermosillo, who has been in and out of the hospital since the explosion, is swollen and in pain. Her family told WFAA she suffered broken ligaments, a head injury, fractures and lost teeth.
“She says anytime she has a headache or back pain, she says she can't handle it,” Diaz said.
Hermosillo, who was uninsured when the explosion occurred, is in need of financial help, her family said.
They’ve started a GoFundMe to help her cover medical bills and provide for her six children.
While Fort Worth fire officials say they’re still confident natural gas played a role in the explosion, the exact cause is still under investigation.
On Tuesday, Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis told WFAA he expects the investigation will move slowly.
“It will be slow and methodical to make sure that it's safe and that it's thorough,” Davis said.
Another victim from the explosion, 27-year-old Maite Karen Lopez, who goes by "Yami," has been upgraded by Parkland Health from critical to serious condition. Her family has also started a GoFundMe. Those who wish to donate to help pay for her medical bills can do so by visiting here.
WFAA reached out to the hotel owner, Northland Properties, for its response to the lawsuits now filed against them.
We appreciate the ongoing concern for those impacted by the incident in Fort Worth. Our focus remains on supporting our team and those who are recovering. Senior executives have traveled to Fort Worth to help our local management. We have been in contact with everyone on our team during this difficult time, and we remain available for them.
We are holding regular meetings with our team members to provide updates, extend ongoing counseling services, and address their concerns. We have also submitted Workers Compensation forms for all those who were hurt during the incident and relevant information has been shared with all team members. Team members continue to be compensated while we gain a better understanding of our operations moving forward.
We continue to cooperate with the investigation of the incident, however, we will not be commenting further on the specific assistance that we are providing as this is a confidential legal matter and we respect the privacy of those involved.
We are grateful for the display of community spirit and resilience shown by our neighbors in Downtown Fort Worth. We would again also like to thank the community, first responders, local officials, the city and council, and the state for their support since the events occurred.