Connect with us

Dallas, TX

Family shares memories of mother and toddler killed in Dallas apartment explosion

Published

on

Family shares memories of mother and toddler killed in Dallas apartment explosion


The family of 38‑year‑old Marisol Perez and her 18‑month‑old son, Erik Jr., is sharing their grief after the two were killed in Thursday’s apartment explosion and fire in Dallas’ Oak Cliff.

The blast at the Clyde Apartments also claimed the life of community activist and Democratic Party precinct chair Sylvia Collins. Five others were injured.

Marisol’s sisters describe her as a devoted mother and a deeply loving person.

“She was a dedicated mom and a good person… she had a good heart and wonderful intentions,” said Maria Lopez, Marisol’s sister.

Advertisement

Family members rushed to the scene after receiving a call from police, hoping Marisol and her children had made it out safely.

“They told me they couldn’t find my sister and her baby. It was devastating,” Lopez said.

Daughter rescued from rubble

Marisol’s 9‑year‑old daughter, Vanessa, was pulled from the rubble by a good Samaritan moments after the explosion. She turns 10 on Monday.

“We don’t have any words to thank him. We are so grateful,” Lopez said.

“He risked his life. Anything could have happened when he ran across the street to get her,”  said sister Nora Carmona.

Advertisement

A close-knit family grieving

Marisol was one of four sisters, all of whom said they shared a tight bond.

“We called her Mari… or güera,” Lopez said.

“Every special occasion, she wanted me to do her makeup and hair. We’d laugh and bond. I miss it so much,” said sister Rosalinda Martinez.

The family says they are now focused on supporting Marisol’s husband, who was at work when the explosion happened.

“He wants justice. He knows this was not just a tragic accident. There have to be answers,” Carmona said.

Advertisement

Vigil planned for Sunday

The family is inviting the public to a vigil in honor of Marisol and Erik Jr. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday.

A GoFundMe has also been created to help with funeral expenses.



Source link

Dallas, TX

H-E-B files construction permit for Dallas location, next step towards 2028 open

Published

on

H-E-B files construction permit for Dallas location, next step towards 2028 open


H-E-B is one step closer to opening its first location in the city of Dallas.

The grocery chain filed a construction permit for the store at 635 and Hillcrest Road on Wednesday.

According to the permit, construction is set to begin in March 2027. The store is projected to open in September 2028.

When plans for the location were first announced last year, some neighbors raised concerns about the development. Those concerns included increased traffic, noise pollution and crime.

Advertisement

A primary concern is congestion in an already high-traffic area. H-E-B says it plans to add turn lanes and make other upgrades to ease congestion, but neighbors still have concerns.

When the zoning request was still being considered in December 2025, some drew comparisons between the abundance of grocery stores in northern Dallas to the long fight to bring more grocers to food deserts in southern Dallas. The rezoning request passed 14-1.

In a statement, H-E-B wrote: “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration from city officials, staff, and community members throughout this process. We are committed to serving Texans and look forward to bringing our first H-E-B store to the city of Dallas.”

Benjamin Scott, Group Vice President of Real Estate and Shopping Center Development for H-E-B said the new store will bring 800 new jobs and an estimated $24 million in tax revenue to Dallas over the next five years.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Dallas, TX

Cowboys news: More moves that Dallas could make this offseason

Published

on

Cowboys news: More moves that Dallas could make this offseason


1. Dorance Armstrong Jr., EDGE, Commanders

This one makes too much sense to me to not talk about.

Dorance Armstrong is a player the Commanders could cut ties with to save some cap space. For Dallas, this would not be some mystery evaluation because the Cowboys know exactly who Armstrong is.

They drafted him, and watched him grow into a dependable pass rusher.

Advertisement

I’m not saying Dorance Armstrong is some game-wrecking superstar, but he’s an edge defender who can give good snaps, set the edge, chase quarterbacks, and fit into a rotation without needing the whole defense built around him.

The NFC East part gives it extra spice, too. Bringing back a former Cowboy from Washington would get some attention, but the football part is what sells it. Dallas needs waves of pressure and Armstrong brings another wave.

2. Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE/LB, Seahawks

Uchenna Nwosu is the kind of name that doesn’t scream headline, but fits the job description.

Seattle’s roster lists Nwosu as a linebacker, and shows him at 6’2, 265 pounds with nine years of experience. He is credited with seven sacks during the Seahawks’ 2025 season.

Advertisement

That’s the kind of veteran pass rusher I would love to see Dallas pick up if the money doesn’t get weird.

Nwosu isn’t a luxury piece, but he is insurance. He’s the type of player I feel would keep the Cowboys from putting too much stress on the same pass rushers every week.

You can never have enough guys who can heat up the pocket, especially in a conference where every playoff road seems to run through quarterbacks who can make you pay if they get comfortable.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Dallas, TX

Vigil honors victims of Dallas apartment explosion that killed three and injured five

Published

on

Vigil honors victims of Dallas apartment explosion that killed three and injured five


More than 100 people gathered Friday night at a high school near the sealed‑off blast zone to honor the victims of the deadly explosion at The Clyde apartments in Oak Cliff

The vigil – filled with hymns, prayers, and candles – brought together neighbors, local leaders, and pastors, many of whom were personally connected to those who died.

Just down the street, the debris field marks where three people were killed and five others injured when an explosion and fire tore through the complex earlier in the day.

Remembering Sylvia Collins

Sylvia Collins

Advertisement

Among those honored was Sylvia Collins, a Democratic Party precinct chair known for her energy, advocacy, and signature raised‑fist rally pose.

State Rep. Cassandra Garcia‑Hernandez reflected on the loss, saying she couldn’t imagine taking another “fist‑up photo” with Collins. 

State Sen. Royce West urged the community to remember Collins by continuing the work she championed.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the other two victims, believed to be a young woman and her toddler.

Advertisement

Search and Recovery Complete, Cause Still Unknown

Dallas Fire‑Rescue Chief Justin Ball confirmed that the search and recovery phase is complete, though he declined to comment on whether construction crews digging near the property may have struck a natural gas line before the blast.

Ball also defended the actions of firefighters who were on scene for up to 10 minutes before the explosion without ordering evacuations. He said crews first had to locate the source of the gas odor, secure a water supply, and gear up before they could begin clearing the building.

Lawsuit Filed Against Atmos Energy

One survivor has already filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy, accusing the utility of failing to properly monitor for gas leaks. Attorney Sadi Antonmattei‑Goitia said incidents like this “don’t happen without bad decisions being made.”

Atmos did not respond to questions about the lawsuit but issued a statement saying the company’s “hearts go out to the people who were tragically lost, their families, and everyone who has been impacted.”

Advertisement



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending