An explosion that leveled a house and claimed the lives of its two occupants in Van Alstyne, Texas, a community just north of Dallas, is believed to have been caused by a propane leak, investigators said Monday.
The blast occurred at approximately 1:19 a.m. when first responders received calls from people reporting a loud “boom” in the area. The explosion was followed by a fire that took several hours to extinguish.
Grayson County Fire Marshal John Weda confirmed that the two occupants of the home were inside at the time of the explosion and their bodies were found among the debris. The remains have been sent to the Dallas Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies to determine the exact cause of death.
According to Weda, the home utilized propane appliances, which may have led to the accidental explosion. “This appears to be a possible propane leak occurring inside the structure resulting in the explosion,” he said in a statement.
The Fire Marshal’s Office, in collaboration with the Texas Railroad Commission, has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the precise cause of the leak and the subsequent explosion.
Propane is a flammable gas commonly used for heating, cooking, and other appliances in homes not connected to natural gas lines. Leaks can occur due to faulty installation, damaged gas lines, or malfunctioning appliances, and can lead to dangerous accumulations of gas that can ignite or explode if exposed to a spark or flame.
The tragic incident has left the small community of Van Alstyne, located approximately 55 miles (89 kilometers) north of Dallas, in shock. Neighbors reported feeling the ground shake and hearing a loud noise that sounded like a “sonic boom” at the time of the explosion.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging residents who use propane in their homes to ensure that their appliances and gas lines are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The names of the two victims have not been released pending notification of their families. The Grayson County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Texas Railroad Commission are expected to provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
