House Blast in Austin, TX, Injures Six, Damages 24 Houses
San Antonio Express-News
(TNS)
Apr. 13—AUSTIN — Two people were in critical condition and four others injured Sunday after a home explosion rattled Northwest Austin, severely damaging houses in a residential area off U.S. 183 near McNeil Road.
Emergency crews from the Travis County Sheriff's Office, Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County EMS responded at 11:23 a.m. to calls to the 10600 block of Double Spur Loop. They found a two-story home that appeared to have exploded and been leveled and a neighboring house that had suffered severe damage and collapsed. There were spot fires in yards from flying debris and a vehicle on fire at one of the homes.
Two people from the house that exploded were transported to the hospital by EMS; one was reported in critical condition and the other in serious but stable condition during a mid-afternoon press conference with police and fire officials.
Additionally, a person from the neighboring house that collapsed was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition.
Three others, including two firefighters, were treated for minor injuries, said Travis County EMS spokesperson Shannon Koesterer.
The cause of the explosion was under investigation but is expected to be a fire investigation, not a criminal investigation, said Thayer Smith, an assistant chief with the Austin Fire Department. Neither of the homes had underground gas service, he said, though both homes did have propane tanks.
At least 24 homes in the neighborhood were damaged, Smith added, most with blown-out windows and garage doors. The street was expected to be closed for the rest of the day but power had been restored to the neighborhood.
The explosion was felt miles away as houses shook, window screens blew off and kitchen cabinets opened, neighbors said. The sound was also heard as far away as Georgetown, according to the Austin Fire Department.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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