Edit General Articles

A quiet Sunday morning in Northwest Austin turned into chaos and devastation after a powerful house explosion shook the Double Spur Loop neighborhood just before noon on April 13. According to the Austin Fire Department, the two-story home was completely leveled by the blast, and the effects of the explosion were felt and seen miles away.

Initial emergency calls came in around 11:30 a.m., with witnesses reporting a massive boom and visible smoke plumes. Emergency crews arrived at the scene to find the house obliterated and neighboring properties heavily damaged. The incident injured six individuals, including residents and first responders, and caused varying degrees of structural damage to at least 24 homes in the area.

Two individuals from the destroyed home were rushed to medical facilities in critical and serious but stable conditions. A third individual from an adjacent home also sustained critical injuries. Emergency Medical Services also treated a fourth person at the scene who declined to be taken to a hospital, while two firefighters suffered minor injuries—one was transported for further care, and the other declined hospitalization.

In the aftermath, emergency teams worked quickly to douse lingering flames from the wreckage, including a vehicle fire. Small spot fires among the debris were extinguished while authorities continued to secure the site. Power in the neighborhood was temporarily disrupted due to downed lines but has since been restored, except for the homes deemed uninhabitable.

The destruction extended beyond the immediate blast zone, with homes on Spicewood Mesa, Pantera Ridge, and Muley Drive also reporting damage such as shattered windows, bent garage doors, and collapsed ceilings. At least two of the damaged homes were declared uninhabitable, and relief efforts have been initiated by the Red Cross to support displaced residents.

While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, Texas Gas Service confirmed the residence did not have natural gas service. However, propane tanks were present at the site, which could have played a role in the devastating blast. Officials clarified that no aircraft accidents or police activities were involved, countering various rumors circulating in the aftermath.

Residents in and around the affected area recounted the traumatic experience. Carol Hassell, whose home suffered damage, described hearing a thunderous boom before her bedroom ceiling collapsed, sending her ceiling fan crashing to the floor. The explosion warped her garage door and blew out multiple windows. Heather Parsons, who lives nearby, said she initially thought a large tree had fallen on her house. The blast shook her home violently, and the realization of its magnitude left her stunned.

City officials and council members, including District 6 representative Krista Laine, were present at the scene to assess the situation. Laine noted that the tremor shook her house and echoed throughout Northwest Austin. She emphasized the importance of being present to understand the full scope of the tragedy and to support those impacted.

Eyewitness accounts and social media posts from residents and nearby communities confirmed that the explosion was audible and visible for miles. Reports came in from as far as Cedar Park and Pflugerville, where people heard the boom and saw smoke rising in the distance. As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining the exact cause while supporting the families and individuals affected by the explosion. Cleanup operations and safety assessments are ongoing, and officials expect to remain at the site for an extended period. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers posed by residential fuel sources like propane and underscores the importance of thorough safety checks in residential areas.