‘It shook the whole street’: Massive Austin house explosion leaves six injured, 24 homes damaged

What caused the Austin house explosion and how severe was the impact?

A powerful explosion rocked northwest Austin on Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, flattening a two-story home and injuring at least six people, including two critically. The blast, which occurred at approximately 11:23 a.m. local time, also caused structural damage to 24 other homes in the surrounding area, according to officials from the Austin Fire Department. Emergency crews responding to the scene described a chaotic and dangerous environment, as both homes and vehicles were ablaze or partially collapsed, with debris scattered across the residential block.

The explosion site, located near Double Spur Loop, presented a scene of near-total destruction. Division Chief Wayne Parrish stated that upon arrival, firefighters found the house “leveled to the ground,” with a neighbouring residence partially collapsed from the force of the blast. In addition to the primary structure, a vehicle located outside the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked to extinguish the car fire and multiple smaller fires smouldering within the wreckage. Excavators were later brought in to assist with the heavy debris removal effort.

How many people were injured and what is their condition?

According to Austin-Travis County EMS, six individuals sustained injuries as a result of the blast. Of these, three were removed from the wreckage of the two most severely affected homes. Two individuals, including one from each of the collapsed houses, were listed in critical condition. A third person was reported to be seriously injured. EMS spokesperson Capt. Shannon Koesterer confirmed that all victims were accounted for, including a resident treated for minor injuries and two firefighters who sustained minor wounds during the emergency response—one of whom required hospitalisation.

Officials indicated that the extent of damage could have easily resulted in fatalities. That none were reported was attributed to the swift action of emergency responders and the evacuation procedures followed by local residents. Residents from the area confirmed hearing the explosion from miles away, with police departments in nearby towns receiving 911 calls shortly after the event.

Could it have been a gas explosion and what are investigators saying?

Preliminary investigations have ruled out underground natural gas lines as a possible cause. The Texas Gas Service confirmed that the affected home was not connected to a natural gas supply. However, the residence did use propane, and authorities are focusing on whether a malfunction in the tank or a related system caused the blast. The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently leading the investigation, supported by fire, EMS, and police officials.

While the investigation continues, fire officials have not ruled out structural failure or a possible propane-related ignition source. However, foul play has not been suggested as a potential cause at this time. Given the size of the explosion and the damage radius—which reportedly extended to homes more than 100 metres away—investigators will continue to assess all possible origins, including potential equipment faults or safety violations.

How widespread was the damage in the neighborhood?

The explosion had a significant impact on the surrounding residential community. At least 24 homes reported some form of damage, ranging from shattered windows and splintered doors to buckled garage exteriors. Eyewitnesses described a sudden, deafening boom followed by plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. One local resident, Ingrid Vanderveldt, told media that the blast rocked their entire house and prompted an immediate check on loved ones before they rushed outside to assess the destruction. Video footage recorded by nearby witnesses captured the aftermath, including debris-strewn streets and residents inspecting damage up and down the block.

Authorities stated that the force of the explosion was so powerful that it was heard as far away as Georgetown, approximately 25 miles north of Austin. The auditory impact alone underscores the scale of the incident, reinforcing concerns around the flammable materials stored in residential environments and the structural integrity of surrounding homes.

What happens next in the investigation and recovery efforts?

With all residents accounted for, the priority has now shifted to cleanup, securing affected homes, and determining the root cause of the blast. Heavy machinery has been brought in to sift through the wreckage of the collapsed homes. Structural engineers are expected to inspect the surrounding properties for hidden damage, while emergency crews continue to assist displaced residents. Animal control and the Red Cross have also joined recovery efforts, offering support for injured or missing pets and coordinating temporary shelter for families forced to evacuate.

Emergency services reiterated that, despite the blast’s severity, there was no further threat to the community. However, the incident is likely to spark a broader review of propane safety standards and home storage regulations, particularly in suburban Texas communities where similar fuel systems remain in use.

While no fatalities have been reported, the severity of the injuries and the physical devastation will require extensive investigation and rebuilding. For residents, the trauma and displacement caused by the explosion has already created long-term consequences that will be addressed in the weeks ahead.

What broader implications does the Austin explosion raise?

This incident highlights the urgent need for heightened residential safety protocols, especially in homes that rely on propane or similar flammable gas systems. As urban development continues to push into previously rural or semi-rural areas around Texas, the integration of fuel storage infrastructure into high-density neighborhoods poses escalating risks. The Austin Fire Department’s rapid response limited the spread of secondary fires and injuries, but the scale of destruction reinforces just how devastating a single structural ignition can become.

Community leaders and city officials are expected to conduct reviews of existing building codes, emergency preparedness measures, and residential gas safety systems in the wake of this explosion. Additionally, insurance and risk assessment providers may begin reassessing coverage thresholds and vulnerability indexes in high-propane-use regions.

While the final cause of the explosion has not yet been identified, the scale of the destruction in northwest Austin underscores the vulnerability of suburban communities to high-intensity structural fires and blasts. In the coming weeks, more details from the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office will provide clarity—and potentially inform updated policy or preventive measures to reduce future incidents.