An explosion at a construction site at the rear of Gatesville, Texas-based Coryell Memorial Healthcare System June 27 killed at least one individual and injured at least 15 others, according to CNN.
Jeffrey Bates, MD, CMO of Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, confirmed to CNN June 26 12 construction workers were injured, with at least three or four of them critically wounded. He said no patients or staff were injured. However, the Statesman reported June 27 the number of individuals injured in the blast had increased to 15.
A witness claimed a generator exploded, and officials said a natural gas line may have been involved, according to KBTX-TV3. Cellphone footage obtained by the television station showed a cloud of black smoke rising from behind the hospital.
County officials reportedly told KBTX-TV3 damage to the facility is extensive, and that it may take weeks or even months to reopen the hospital fully.
In a June 26 statement on its Facebook page, the 25-bed hospital confirmed the blast took place around 2:15 p.m., and said all patients and residents at the hospital's affiliated senior residences were relocated.
"We had countless community organizations and individuals immediately gather to offer every kind of assistance. There are no words for how grateful we are for the acts of kindness and support. Thank you. We would like to ask for the continued prayers for the construction workers and their families. We have always known we have a community with a big heart, but to see the rush to assist in the aftermath was truly moving and will be a source of inspiration for the days to come," the hospital said in its statement.
Hospital officials also said June 26 the facility's emergency medical services and home health services will continue operating. DaVita Dialysis will resume treating patients June 27. The rest of the hospital campus, including the hospital, medical clinic and emergency room, will remain closed.
Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:30 a.m. June 28 to reflect an increase in the reported number of people injured in the explosion.