6 injured after explosion, house collapse in Austin
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Six people were injured following a loud explosion and house collapse in northwest Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
According to the Austin Fire Department, the house collapsed in the 10400 block of Double Spur Loop. Several people reported hearing a loud explosion in the area at the same time.
Wayne Parrish, division chief for the Austin Fire Department, said they initially received calls for a "house that blew up" shortly after 11 a.m.
Arriving crews found a two-story home that "had "looked like it had suffered an explosion, which was leveled to the ground," Parrish said, adding that a neighboring house also "suffered severe collapse damage."
Other neighboring homes were also damaged, the AFD previously confirmed. That included damaged garage doors and "blown out" windows. During Sunday's press conference, authorities said more than two dozen homes had been found with damages but the assessment was ongoing.
A car fire was also initially reported at the first house, which crews were able to extinguish. Several small spot fires within the collapsed debris were also being put out, according to Parrish.
"We're going to be here for hours," an AFD spokesperson said during a Sunday briefing regarding the explosion. Excavators were being called in to help clear the larger debris.
Austin-Travis County EMS initially said it was responding to reports of multiple patients. First responders later confirmed six adults — two from the home that collapsed, a patient from the neighboring home that experienced a partial collapse, another adult at the scene, and two firefighters — were injured in the incident.
One person was found and removed from the residence and was being evaluated by medics. In an update, AFD said three total patients were extricated with ATCEMS providing treatment. Of the three, one had serious injuries but was stable, and two were in critical condition.
One adult had minor injuries but was not taken to the hospital, and two firefighters were also reported to have minor injuries related to the incident. Everyone is believed to be accounted for, Parrish said.
Several pets were reportedly unaccounted for after the incident, AFD said.
Nexstar's KXAN obtained video of the scene. It shows a fire still burning, debris — including a large pile of wood — scattered throughout the area, what appears to be a burned-out vehicle, and damage to one or more nearby homes.
The explosion's "boom" was heard and felt in areas as far as Cedar Park, Leander, and Georgetown, according to KXAN viewers.
"We are aware of the loud 'boom' that was heard and felt throughout the city," Cedar Park Police said in an X post. "We received reports that there was an explosion, but it was in the Austin area."
There was currently no information on what caused the explosion. Parrish, who noted that that was under investigation, said the incident is believed to be isolated.
Texas Gas Service crews were on the scene responding to the incident and confirmed the home did not have access to natural gas services. The home did, however, have propane tanks, according to AFD.
Texas Gas Services wants to remind the public that if anyone smells natural gas, they should leave the area immediately. Report the odor to 911 or the Texas Gas Service Emergency Line at 800‑959‑5325. Avoid electrical equipment like phones, garage doors, or light switches until you have safely distanced yourself from the odor.