A “substantial” propane gas leak has been identified as the cause of the devastating house explosion that occurred on Sunday, April 13, in Northwest Austin. The blast leveled a newly constructed home on Double Spur Loop, injured six individuals, and damaged more than two dozen nearby residences.
The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office announced on Friday that the explosion was not the result of any criminal activity. The home relied on propane tanks for fuel, as it was not connected to a natural gas line. While the exact ignition source remains undetermined, officials confirmed that the gas leak originated within the house.
Emergency responders reported that two individuals from the destroyed home and one from a neighboring residence sustained critical injuries. As of Friday, two victims remain hospitalized in critical condition. Additionally, two firefighters suffered minor injuries while responding to the incident.
The explosion’s impact was felt miles away, with residents in Georgetown, approximately 28 miles north, reporting the blast. The force of the explosion shattered windows, buckled garage doors, and caused structural damage to at least 24 homes, rendering some uninhabitable.
The affected home had recently passed city inspections, including tests on its internal propane lines. However, the external lines connecting the propane tank to the home are typically inspected by the installation company, whose identity has not been disclosed.
In the aftermath, community members have initiated fundraising efforts to support the victims. A GoFundMe campaign for the Felix family, owners of the destroyed home, has raised over $36,000. Another resident, Samantha Leer, launched a separate fundraiser to assist neighbors with repair costs, noting that many homes require extensive repairs and that insurance claims are pending the completion of the investigation.
The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office continues its investigation to finalize the report and determine any further safety recommendations.