Austin, Texas – A powerful explosion tore through a residential neighborhood in northwest Austin on Sunday morning, leveling one home, damaging at least 24 others, and leaving six people injured, including two firefighters. The blast was so intense that it was heard miles away, rattling windows and sparking fears of a possible gas leak or structural failure.
Key Details of the Incident
When & Where: The explosion occurred just before 11:30 a.m. near the intersection of a quiet residential street.
Injuries Reported:
Two residents from the destroyed home—one in critical condition, another in serious condition.
A neighbor was also critically injured.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while responding.
Structural Damage: The blast completely demolished one house, severely damaged another, and caused broken windows, blown-out doors, and ceiling collapses in surrounding homes.
Power Outages: Electricity was temporarily cut off but has since been restored to most of the area, except for heavily damaged properties.
Eyewitness Accounts: “It Sounded Like a Bomb”
Residents described a deafening boom that shook homes across the neighborhood.
Carol Hassell, a nearby resident, told CNN affiliate KEYE that she initially thought a tree had fallen on her roof.
“I went outside and saw my garage doors blown in, windows shattered, and deadbolts ripped out of the frames.”
Niki Fletcher, another local, said the explosion was terrifying.
“The whole house shook—my cat bolted under the bed in panic.”
The blast was so powerful that it was heard as far as Cedar Park (20 miles north) and Georgetown, alarming residents across the region.
Emergency Response & Investigation
Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, including a burning vehicle near the explosion site.
Authorities Confirm: All residents have been accounted for, and there is no indication of criminal activity.
Travis County Fire Marshal is leading the investigation, with early speculation pointing toward a possible gas leak or mechanical failure.
Street Closures & Recovery Efforts
The main road reopened within hours, but the immediate blast area remains closed for cleanup and structural assessments.
Assistant Fire Chief Thayer Smith warned that crews would be on-site for “many more hours” securing the area.
Community Impact & Safety Concerns
The explosion has left the tight-knit neighborhood in shock, with many residents assessing damage to their homes. Local officials urge caution and advise residents to:
Check for gas leaks if they smell a rotten-egg odor.
Avoid downed power lines and report structural concerns to authorities.
While the cause remains under investigation, the incident highlights the sudden and devastating impact of residential explosions. As recovery efforts continue, the community is left grappling with the aftermath—grateful there were no fatalities but shaken by the close call.