Six people injured, including two critically, in major explosion at a home in Austin, Texas.
On Sunday morning, a significant explosion in Austin, Texas, resulted in injuries to six individuals, including two with critical wounds. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when a house was demolished by the blast, which also impacted at least 23 neighboring homes. According to officials, two firefighters who responded to the emergency sustained minor injuries; one was transported to a hospital while the other declined further treatment.
A comprehensive rescue effort was necessary for three individuals trapped beneath the debris following the explosion. Emergency personnel detailed that one required an advanced extrication process to be safely removed. Of those affected, two were extricated from the primary residence, with one victim in critical condition and the other classified as serious but stable. Additionally, another individual found trapped in a neighboring partially collapsed house also faced critical injuries. A third victim sustained minor injuries and was treated on site by first responders.
As of early Sunday afternoon, local authorities reported no fatalities and confirmed that all residents had been accounted for in the aftermath of the explosion. Witnesses described the sound of the blast as echoing through neighborhoods as far as 20 miles away, while the immediate vicinity experienced extensive damage, with windows and garage doors shattered across multiple homes.
Austin Fire Department Division Chief Wayne Parrish provided details during a press briefing, describing the scene upon arrival. The explosion had obliterated the two-story house, while a neighboring structure suffered severe collapse damage. Firefighters encountered a vehicle engulfed in flames outside the destroyed home, which they were able to extinguish, along with several small fires that emerged from the wreckage. Although power outages affected the immediate area temporarily, utilities were restored by late afternoon, except for residences that sustained considerable damage.
Initial speculations regarding a potential plane crash have been dismissed by the fire department, which stated that investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. Fire officials confirmed that while the destroyed home was not connected to Texas Gas Service lines, it was operating with a propane tank. The circumstances surrounding this incident remain a focus of inquiry as community members await further information.
This explosion has raised concerns regarding safety protocols in residential areas and potential hazards associated with propane use. The local authorities are actively investigating the nuances of the explosion and its aftermath, ensuring the safety of the community remains a priority.
