Explosion rocks northwestern Austin, leaves six injured
In northwestern Austin, Texas, a powerful explosion occurred in one of the residential homes. Six people were injured, including two in critical condition. The force of the explosion was so strong that a neighbouring building collapsed, and 24 others were damaged. The sound of the explosion could be heard in Georgetown, which is about 50 kilometres away.
Emergency services were informed of the explosion around 11:30 AM local time. Upon arrival, they found that the explosion had levelled the two-storey house. The neighbouring building was severely damaged and collapsed. The explosion also caused fires in gardens and set a vehicle on fire next to one of the homes.
Two people from the house where the explosion occurred were transported to the hospital. One of them was in critical condition. The other was also seriously injured, but their condition was described as stable by doctors.
During a press conference at noon, representatives of the police and fire department reported that a person from the neighbouring house was also taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Three other people, including two firefighters, sustained minor injuries.
Causes of the explosion and effects on the area
The cause of the explosion is currently unknown. However, it is suspected to have been a gas explosion. Neither of the homes had underground gas installations, but both had propane tanks.
As a result of the explosion, at least 24 nearby homes were damaged: windows were shattered, and the explosion warped garage doors.
The explosion was felt within a radius of several kilometres, causing houses to shake, window screens to fall out, and kitchen cabinets to open. The sound of the explosion—as reported by the fire department—was audible as far as Georgetown, a city about 50 kilometres from Austin.
