Austin, Texas – At least six individuals suffered injuries following a house explosion on Sunday morning in Austin, Texas, resulting in one house being leveled and another severely damaged, according to the Austin Fire Department.
Shannon Koesterer, a spokesperson for Austin-Travis County EMS, revealed that two of the injured individuals were from the house, with one in critical condition and the other in serious condition. Additionally, a person in a neighboring home sustained injuries and is currently in critical condition. Two firefighters were also hurt while responding to the scene.
The explosion, which occurred prior to 11:30 a.m., caused damage to at least 24 homes in the vicinity, with authorities reporting a vehicle was on fire at the site of the explosion. Power has been restored to most of the area, with exceptions for the severely damaged houses, as noted by Thayer Smith, the assistant chief with the Austin Fire Department.
Officials stated that they have identified all residents in the area and that the Travis County Fire Marshal is conducting an investigation into the cause of the incident. They do not suspect any criminal intent behind the explosion.
The impact of the explosion was felt across the Austin suburbs, with reports from Cedar Park, located about 20 miles north of Austin, indicating that the loud noise reverberated throughout the city. Witness accounts highlight the intensity of the explosion, with Carol Hassell describing the extensive damage to her property caused by the blast.
Niki Fletcher, another resident in the neighborhood, described the explosion as terrifying, emphasizing the disruptive force it had on the surroundings. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and updates will be provided as information becomes available.