The cause of a house explosion in Northwest Austin on Sunday is still under investigation.
Six individuals sustained injuries. Two occupants of the exploded residence are in critical and serious but stable condition, respectively. A neighbor is also critically injured. Additionally, one person with minor complaints declined transport, and two firefighters received treatment for minor injuries.
The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, which is leading the non-criminal investigation, has yet to confirm a cause for the explosion.
On Monday, people started assessing the damage.
City Council Member Krista Laine expressed deep concern for the people in the Spicewood Springs neighborhood.
Residents in the area still have concerns and some unanswered questions.
“I’ve never heard an explosion like that.” — Kees Talen, neighbor
“Yesterday’s tragic events will remain under investigation until all relevant facts and evidence are gathered, examined, and confirmed. Until the investigation is complete, this office will not release any information or speculate on causes.” — Fire Marshal Gary Howell
The Austin Fire Department’s investigation points to a fire-related, not criminal, cause for the explosion. Both the exploded home and a nearby collapsed residence utilized propane tanks, not underground gas service. Assistant Fire Chief Thayer Smith stated the exploded home’s propane tank received final inspection approval 15 days prior, but the responsible agency is undetermined.
The reopened street was a hive of activity Monday morning, with insurance adjusters, repair crews, and laborers on site. Homeowners managed inquiries and directed traffic from their lawns. Texas Department of Emergency Management personnel, in bright yellow vests, conducted door-to-door resident interviews.
It was a busy Monday and overnight for the Austin Fire Department.
Early this morning, firefighters responded to a structure fire in southeast Austin.
An overnight brush fire in a wooded area just east of the airport caused problems for firefighters.
Monday,
A two-car collision on Mount Bonnell Road injured four people Monday.
The University of Texas System confirmed Monday that over 170 students across its institutions have had their visas revoked by the federal government. (Austin American-Statesman)
The City of Austin continues its warrant amnesty program through next week.
X user DASH (@DocumentingATX) continues to put a spotlight on areas around the region that have become homeless encampments.
Authorities in Bastrop County are warning residents about a phone scam.
On Monday, Bastrop County Commissioners approved an agreement with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to conduct a study regarding the expansion of the Highway 290 Toll Road. (KXAN-TV)
Austin-area manufacturers are preparing for the impact of tariffs — and also are looking for help. (Austin Business Journal)
A longtime business on South Congress is moving.
Chick-fil-A is celebrating the opening of its newest Austin area restaurant this week.
The new restaurant prioritizes drive-thru service, emphasizing efficiency and speed. It offers drive-thru, carry-out, and Mobile Thru, with both drive-thru and walk-up window pickup options. While there’s no dine-in, a patio provides outdoor seating. (Lonestar Live)
A new wishbone-shaped pedestrian bridge has been taking shape in southeast Austin.
WEATHER
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
A look at active wildfires in Texas…
Federal officials have pulled a multi-million-dollar grant meant to help fund a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in Texas seized over $14 million worth of methamphetamine last week. The drugs were allegedly hidden within a shipment of fresh bell peppers and cucumbers, according to a press release. (Fox7 Austin)
The Texas Senate is proposing a ban on wearing masks during protests. (CBS Austin)
The Centers for Disease Control recently buried a warning about the potential for more measles outbreaks and the need for people to get vaccinated. (Texas Public Radio)
Meanwhile, updated numbers on the current measles outbreak in Texas is due today from state health officials.
Three new cases have been confirmed in El Paso.
As measles spreads in the United States, how to stay safe – and why public health experts are so concerned by the confusing, contradictory federal response. (Washington Post)
Deployed Resources, a privately held tent company, is set to operate a new ICE tent camp to hold people awaiting deportation in El Paso. (Texas Tribune)
17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who was accused in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, was released after a judge reduced his bail.
In the wake of the fatal stabbing in Frisco, a surge of misinformation has swept through social media platforms, causing confusion and fear.
A Boerne woman will spend four years in prison after she was found guilty of misapplying fiduciary property while working as an office manager with access to a company bank account. (My San Antonio)
One of Texas’ Ten Most Wanted has been captured in North Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the arrest of Carlos Venegas Ortiz, a 46-year-old criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico, in Tarrant County. Ortiz, wanted since October 2024 for continuous sexual abuse of a young child, was apprehended on April 9 in Haltom City. (My Texas Daily)
SPORTS
MLB: Nolan Arenado homered and Brendan Donovan went 4 for 4, helping Sonny Gray and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Houston Astros 8-3 on Monday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
The Texas Rangers were off Monday and resume play tonight hosting the Los Angeles Angels. The Astros play again in St. Louis.
COLLEGE BASEBALL: Coming off their 11th consecutive conference series victory, the Texas Longhorns (29-5) welcome UTGRV to UFCU Disch-Falk Field this evening. (Texas Longhorns)
NHL: Moritz Seider had a tiebreaking, power-play goal early in the third, Lucas Raymond scored midway through the period and Vladimir Tarasenko added an empty-net goal to lift the Detroit Red Wings to a 6-4 win over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
The Stars have lost six straight. They will finish the regular season schedule tomorrow night in Nashville.
The largest one-day festival in Texas will be held on April 26 in Grand Praire.
