House explosion leaves two with critical burns

 A massive house explosion shook a neighborhood on the 2300 Bendridge Trail.  

Santana Vasquez lives across the street and was outside when he said he heard a loud boom. "Just like an explosion move the whole floor and everything you could feel it,” Vasquez said. "I went to go check on the couple that lives there they both came out and they were really burned the man was a little more burnt."

Vasquez said neighbors wrapped the couple in blankets and waited for help to arrive. Austin Fire Department Division Chief Thayer Smith said Austin fire crews targeted hot spots.

While Austin Travis County EMS transported the couple to nearby hospitals. "Their injuries are described as critical burns through the upper extremities facial area but not at this point to be life threatening," Smith said.

Austin Fire investigators determined the cause of the explosion was from a buildup of natural gas. The explosion damaged 5 other homes and numerous cars. The force from it blew into the house right next door, tearing off the home's ceiling.

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The family of three removed items from the property.

The family said they aren't sure where they are going to stay. Diego Jesús Rocha’s father and brother lived in the house he said he’s thankful they were able to walk from the situation unharmed. “It's a blessing men got to see my dad my brothers and my neighbors make it out," Rocha said.

Investigators will be working with Texas Gas Service to determine how the buildup occurred.