Austin blast damages homes, injures six in suspected gas leak
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 intense that a neighbouring building collapsed, and 24 others were damaged. The sound of the explosion could be heard in Georgetown, 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 had collapsed. The explosion also led to fires in gardens and set a vehicle alight 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 doctors described their condition as stable.
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 miles, causing houses to shake, window screens to fall out, and kitchen cabinets to open. According to the fire department, the sound of the explosion was audible as far as Georgetown, a city 50 kilometres from Austin.
