AUSTIN (KXAN) — A “substantial” propane gas leak led to a powerful explosion earlier this week that injured six people, destroyed a recently finished northwest Austin home and damaged others nearby, according to the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The explosion at 11:23 a.m. Sunday in the 10400 block of Double Spur Loop in Austin was heard as far as Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville and Georgetown. The Austin Fire Department said that day that 24 homes in the area also reported damage. A nearby elementary school did as well.
The homeowner and two firefighters were among those who were hurt. The general contractor who was working on the home told KXAN it received its final inspection and certificate of occupancy on March 28.
“It does concern me a little bit, ya know, I know my house is run on propane. It’s over 10 years old at this point, I know the inspectors who did my house did a good job, but again for all the new homeowners out there, do your due diligence,” said Gilly Gilliland, a man who lives nearby and was at the scene helping neighbors fix their garages.
The fire marshal’s office emphasized, “There are no suspicious or criminal circumstances surrounding this incident.”
“While this investigation is entering its final stages, it is important to remember that there is still a long road of recovery ahead for those who were affected by this tragic event. There are still two people in critical condition at area hospitals. When they are able, we will interview them, take their statements, and include them in the final report,” said the fire marshal’s office in a statement, adding it is still working on that final report.
Austin City Council Member Krista Laine released a statement regarding the investigation. The explosion happened in her district.
My heart goes out to all who were injured and whose homes were damaged on Sunday. Many of us in District 6 are still reeling from the effects of the explosion. I encourage all of our residents to have their homes routinely inspected by a qualified plumber or propane company representative, and to utilize combustible gas detectors inside their homes to monitor for natural gas, propane, and carbon monoxide.
I will continue to share updates in regards to this investigation alongside steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their homes. I’m wishing us all, with special regard to those who were injured on Sunday, a restful holiday weekend.
-Austin City Council Member Krista Laine, District 6
Fire and explosion expert Richard Meier said both natural gas and propane must have an odorant added to alert people of a potential danger.
“It takes so little energy to ignite a flammable gas that something as simple as static electricity, walking across the carpet or flipping a light switch can trigger an explosion,” Meier said.
Ultimately, he recommended buying a flammable gas detector for extra protection.
“It will detect propane leaks,” Meier said. “It’ll detect natural gas leaks.”
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