Houston, October 7, 2025
News Summary
An explosion at a hotel under construction in downtown Houston injured six construction workers on Thursday. The blast, caused by tankless water heaters, led to burns and lacerations for the workers. Significant damage was reported, with windows blown out and walls bulging. The hotel, a 17-story Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites, was slated for completion by December 2025 as part of a hotel development boom in the area. Emergency responders transported the injured to Memorial Hermann Hospital, while investigations into the incident continue.
Houston
An explosion occurred at a hotel under construction in downtown Houston around 11:08 a.m. on Thursday, injuring six construction workers. The workers sustained burns and lacerations from the blast, which caused significant damage, blowing out windows and bulging parts of the hotel’s exterior walls.
The explosion has been confirmed by the Houston Fire Department (HFD) as being caused by a bank of tankless water heaters. Initially, HFD reported a high-rise fire related to a boiler issue, but this was later clarified to be a gas line explosion.
The construction site is home to a 17-story Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites, located on Texas Avenue near Austin Street, in close proximity to Daikin Park. Construction of the hotel began in October 2023, and it was slated for completion and opening in December 2025. This hotel is part of a broader boom in hotel development in downtown Houston, driven in part by the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Republican National Convention.
The hotel will feature 275 rooms, which includes 144 Holiday Inn Express rooms and 131 Staybridge Suites rooms equipped with full kitchens and living rooms. Planned amenities for the hotel also include a rooftop pool, fitness center, full bar, and a 3,000-square-foot grocery store named Urban Street Market.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and multiple ambulances were observed transporting the injured workers to Memorial Hermann Hospital. The area surrounding the hotel has been cordoned off due to fallen debris, and local roads are expected to remain closed as the investigation continues.
Arson investigators are currently working to determine the cause and origin of the explosion. As investigations unfold, more information regarding the incident is anticipated, addressing safety measures and future construction protocols to prevent such occurrences.
Incident Details
- Location: Downtown Houston, Texas
- Time of Explosion: 11:08 a.m. on Thursday
- Injuries: 6 construction workers
- Injury Type: Burns and lacerations
- Cause: Tankless water heaters explosion
Hotel Details
- Hotel Name: Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites
- Height: 17 stories
- Rooms: 275 total (144 Holiday Inn Express, 131 Staybridge Suites)
- Opening Date: December 2025
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, full bar, Urban Street Market grocery store (3,000-square-foot)
Impact on Surrounding Area
- Response: Multiple ambulances transported injured workers to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
- Site Safety: Area roped off due to fallen debris; road closures expected during the investigation.
Background
The hotel construction is part of a significant surge in hotel development in downtown Houston, correlating with major events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Republican National Convention, linking new accommodations with substantial expected tourist traffic in the years ahead.
FAQs
What caused the explosion at the Houston hotel construction site?
The explosion was caused by a bank of tankless water heaters.
How many workers were injured in the explosion?
Six construction workers were injured, suffering burns and lacerations.
When is the hotel expected to open?
The hotel is expected to open in December 2025.
What amenities will the hotel offer?
The hotel will feature a rooftop pool, fitness center, full bar, and a 3,000-square-foot grocery store named Urban Street Market.
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Additional Resources
- KHOU 11 News
- Fox 26 Houston
- ABC13 Houston
- Times Now News
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Houston
- Google Search: Houston hotel explosion
- Google Scholar: Houston hotel explosion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston
- Google News: Houston hotel explosion
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
