Explosion rocks Austin neighborhood; 6 injured, 2 critically
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 great that a neighboring building collapsed, and 24 others were damaged. The sound of the explosion could be heard as far away as Georgetown, 31 miles away.
Emergency services were notified of the explosion around 11:30 AM local time. When they arrived at the scene, it was evident that the explosion had leveled the two-story house. The neighboring building was severely damaged and collapsed. The explosion also led to fires in gardens and set a nearby vehicle on fire.
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 from the police and fire departments reported that a person from the neighboring 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. The sound of the explosion, as reported by the fire department, was audible as far as Georgetown, a city 31 miles from Austin.
