Oak Cliff explosion survivor shares grief as investigations and lawsuits continue

A 74-year-old resident injured in the blast says he is mourning lost neighbors while focusing on recovery.

Days after a deadly apartment explosion tore through a North Oak Cliff neighborhood, one survivor is speaking publicly about the loss, trauma and long road to recovery that followed.

Jose Lopez, a 74-year-old resident of the Clyde Apartments, said he was inside his apartment, sitting near a window, when the explosion happened Thursday.

With the help of attorney Mia Guerrero, Lopez told NBC 5 he suffered injuries to his arms, leg and head.

The physical injuries are expected to heal. Lopez said the emotional toll has been more difficult.

Lopez said he is grieving the loss of three neighbors who died in the explosion and fire.

"I feel sadness because of the family that passed away," Guerrero translated from Lopez's remarks.

Among those killed was Sylvia Collins, a longtime community activist whom Lopez said he knew well.

As families continue to mourn, legal action has already begun.

Attorney Chris Hamilton filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday on behalf of Collins' family.

"This cannot happen without multiple things going wrong," Hamilton said.

Hamilton said Collins was known for helping others.

"I know that if Sylvia had not been one of the victims, she would've been one of the people leading the response," Hamilton said.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

While some roads in the area have reopened, a large section surrounding the former apartment complex remains fenced off. Atmos Energy crews remained on scene Monday, while the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation. Dallas Fire Rescue personnel are no longer stationed at the site.

Lopez's attorney told NBC 5 it is likely he will join one of the lawsuits already filed in connection with the explosion.

For now, Lopez said he is focused on healing and hopes to eventually return to the neighborhood he has long called home.