House explosion in Austin leaves six injured and dozens of homes damaged
Firefighters inspect damaged home after powerful blast (Photo: https://www.youtube.com/)
At least six people were injured in a powerful house explosion that rocked a residential neighborhood in Austin, Texas, on Sunday morning, according to CNN.
The explosion occurred just before 11:30 a.m., completely destroying one house and severely damaging another, while affecting more than 20 nearby homes.
Emergency responders said two people from the destroyed home were hospitalized — one in critical condition and the other in serious condition. A third person from a neighboring house was also critically injured.
Two firefighters were hurt during response efforts, and another individual sustained minor injuries but was not taken to the hospital.
Emergency crews block off street after Austin house explosion (Photo: https://www.youtube.com/)
"We’re going to be here for hours," said Thayer Smith, assistant chief of the Austin Fire Department.
"The main street will probably reopen within the next hour, but this street will be closed for the rest of the day."
Authorities have ruled out any criminal activity, and an investigation into the cause is now underway by the Travis County Fire Marshal.
Loud boom heard miles away as homes shake
The impact of the explosion was felt across the Austin area, including in Cedar Park and Georgetown, nearly 20 miles away.
"It sounded like a tree fell down on the house," said local resident Niki Fletcher.
Fence and backyard structures collapse from shockwave (Photo: https://www.youtube.com/)
"The house kind of shook. The cat got scared." Another neighbor, Carol Hassell, described the moment the blast hit: "I thought maybe a branch had fallen on my roof… then I came to the front and realized all my windows had been blown out, the front door too, and there’s extensive damage to some of the ceilings."
Garage door blown inward at neighboring home (Photo: https://www.youtube.com/)
Hassell added that her garage doors were forced inward, and even the deadbolts on her locks had been blown out. Despite the damage, she expressed relief: "I’m just glad I’m OK."
The explosion caused a fire at the scene, which was later extinguished. Most homes in the area have had power restored, though a few remain without electricity due to structural damage.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but residents are grateful that the incident, while destructive, didn’t result in loss of life.
