Austin house explosion: Propane leak blamed for blast, officials say

AUSTIN - The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office says that a substantial propane leak was to blame for the house explosion in Northwest Austin over the weekend.

At least six people were injured, and 24 homes were damaged in the blast.

Cause of Austin home explosion

What we know:

On Friday, the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office said its final report will show that a "substantial propane gas leak" was to blame for the blast on Sunday, April 13.

Officials say there are no suspicious or criminal circumstances that factored in to the explosion.

The determination came after interviewing witnesses, talking to entities that were involved in the construction of the home and evidence from the site of the explosion.

The fire marshal's office says the final report is not complete.

What they're saying:

"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," wrote Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell in a statement.

Neighbors react

Local perspective:

"I would have never thought in a million years that something like a propane tank could cause such destruction," said Samantha Leer, a homeowner in the Great Hills neighborhood.

It produced extensive damage throughout the community and left many people displaced and injured. 

"I'm just glad that we finally have an answer, and that means that we can all move forward together, and our insurance can decide what to do and how to cover our houses," said Leer. 

The neighbors sighed with relief when they found out the source of the explosion because it would make the insurance process easier. 

"I mean, we're just at the beginning, and I think we're pretty good at managing our expectations as far as realizing what a long road it's going to be," said Holli Schacherl.

Samantha Leer is collecting donations to give back to the hard-hit areas of her neighborhood. If you would like to donate, click here.

Northwest Austin house explosion

The backstory:

The explosion happened on April 13, around 11:30 a.m. in the 10400 block of Double Spur Loop, just off DK Ranch Road, north of Laurel Mountain Elementary.

When crews arrived, they found a two-story home that looked like it had exploded and been leveled to the ground. The house next door also suffered severe damage.

There was a vehicle fire at the home that collapsed, and fire crews extinguished small spot fires in the collapsed debris as well.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 6 injured, at least 24 homes damaged after house explosion in Northwest Austin

EMS says that a total of six people were treated in connection with the explosion: two people from the collapsed home, another from the neighboring home, another with minor complaints, and two firefighters with minor injuries.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin house explosion: Investigation continues into cause

The home was recently built in the Great Hills neighborhood and belonged to a husband, wife, and their two children. A person who knows the family posted that the husband, who was in the home at the time of the explosion, was in the hospital with burns and broken bones and that he had to undergo surgery. 

Initially, officials said about 24 homes were damaged and two were determined "uninhabitable."

Northwest Austin