A massive fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near El Paso International Airport after a reported vehicle explosion, sending multiple people to the hospital and prompting a large emergency response.
The El Paso Fire Department confirmed the incident on social media just before 4 p.m., stating that crews were responding to a Condition 4 fire at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center. The blaze was later upgraded to a second alarm, signaling an escalation in severity and the need for additional firefighters to contain the flames.
Authorities confirmed that at least four people were transported to local hospitals for treatment. However, the extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed.
Emergency personnel quickly evacuated the area as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control. According to FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, officials took swift action to ensure the safety of those in the immediate vicinity.
A Category 4 fire, as defined by the U.S. Forestry Service, is considered extremely dangerous, with the potential to spread rapidly and burn for an extended period. Firefighters faced challenging conditions as they battled the intense flames, which engulfed portions of the transit center.
El Paso’s strategic communications director, Laura Cruz Acosta, issued a statement acknowledging the limited information available regarding the cause of the fire.
“Our primary focus is on containing the fire and ensuring the safety of our staff. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to our first responders for their swift action in addressing the situation,” Acosta said.
Despite the proximity of the fire to El Paso International Airport, Acosta confirmed that airport operations remain unaffected. Flights are continuing as scheduled, and there has been no reported impact on travelers.
However, local transportation has been disrupted. Authorities have closed traffic at Montana Avenue and Wedgewood Drive until further notice, according to the Texas Department of Transportation and local law enforcement. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes as emergency crews remain on-site.
At this time, officials have not determined the cause of the explosion or fire. Investigators will assess the scene once the area is deemed safe, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.