Elementary school damaged after home explodes in Austin; operations mostly normal
AUSTIN (KXAN) — An elementary school in northwest Austin was damaged when a presumed explosion in a nearby neighborhood destroyed a home and damaged several others.
Laurel Mountain Elementary School was one of many buildings that were damaged as a result of the blast Sunday. The school was planning to operate mostly as usual Monday, with a few exceptions and additional support available for families affected by the incident, according to a Round Rock Independent School District spokesperson.
According to the Austin Fire Department, the house collapsed in the 10400 block of Double Spur Loop shortly before noon Sunday. AFD said on social media that a two-story house "sustained damage from an unknown event that caused [the] house to collapse."
During a press conference Sunday afternoon, AFD said the home was essentially leveled after it "looked like it had suffered an explosion."
The cause of the blast is not known at this time but it is under investigation. Texas Gas Service crews were on the scene responding to the incident and confirmed the home did not have access to natural gas services.
Six people were injured as a result of the incident. One person had serious injuries but was stable, and two people were in critical condition, according to AFD. Another person had minor injuries but was not taken to the hospital, and two firefighters were also reported to have minor injuries related to the incident.
Laurel Mountain Elementary is located less than half a mile from the reported address. The school's campus sustained some damage, including shattered windows in the cafeteria and in one classroom that were temporarily boarded up with plywood, the district spokesperson said.
A portable building on campus also had electric and plumbing damage.
RRISD said members of a church that rent out the cafeteria on Sundays were on campus holding service at the time, but no one was hurt because the glass blew outward onto the ground outside rather than inward toward the service.
Laurel Mountain still held classes on Monday, with few changes to its regular operations. Two classes were expected to use alternative spaces, and the cafeteria will not be used as an eating space, though the kitchen will still serve meals. Students will instead eat inside classrooms and in outdoor spaces.
Principal Doriane Marvel sent messages to the community Sunday and Monday morning, keeping families informed on campus conditions and resources available to those impacted by the incident.
Marvel said in one of the notes that the incident "shook not only our homes but also our sense of safety," and ensured that additional resources would be at the school, like extra counselors, "gentle structure and flexibility," quiet spaces, calming activities, and community connectivity opportunities. Marvel also encouraged any families in need of support to reach out to the school's administration.