House explosion in Gillespie County: 2 injured and cause under investigation

Massive house explosion in Gillespie County

An investigation is underway after a house explosion in southern Gillespie County left two people injured.

GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas - An investigation is underway after a house explosion in southern Gillespie County.

"This is something we don’t see every day here in Fredericksburg," said Sean Doerre, public information officer for Fredericksburg Fire EMS.

What we know:

At around 8:30 a.m. on May 27, Fredericksburg Fire/EMS responded to a reported house explosion at 16 Serenity Lane in The Overlook at Bear Creek subdivision, which is about nine miles south of Fredericksburg off U.S. Highway 87.

When crews arrived, they found a two-story home on a six-acre lot fully involved in fire. The home was damaged extensively, and an outbuilding on the same lot received some damage due to flying debris.

"This was a large explosion. It was heard all the way in Fredericksburg, about nine miles away. It rattled windows and woke up pets," Doerre said.​

Two people were injured and transported via air and ground to hospitals in the San Antonio area.

At this time, it was believed to be an isolated incident. There is no threat to the surrounding community.

According to the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office, there is no evidence of criminal activity. 

The property has both propane and electric utilities with gas lines running throughout. Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by a propane leak inside the house, although the exact source remains undetermined. Investigators said a power outage hit the area the night before, which may have affected appliances or pilot lights.

Doerre said recent severe weather and rain likely helped prevent the fire from spreading beyond the destroyed home. 

"The ground was pretty saturated and kept the flames contained," he said.

The sheriff said propane gas may have built up for several hours before someone inside tried to use the stove, triggering the blast. 

During the fire, stored ammunition also discharged due to extreme heat.

What we don't know:

The conditions of the two injured have not been released.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County Fire Marshal’s Offices.

What they're saying:

"This is not a situation we encounter every day, but our crews and volunteer partners from across Gillespie County responded quickly and worked together to bring the fire under control," said Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell. "At the same time, our EMS personnel provided immediate patient care and ensured both patients were transported to medical facilities as quickly and safely as possible."

Why you should care:

There were no major road closures. However, the Overlook at Bear Creek subdivision remains closed as the investigation continues.

Residents of the neighborhood are allowed to return to their homes.