Woman Dies After South Austin Home Explosion

SOUTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — The occupant of a South Austin home that essentially exploded last Saturday from a natural gas buildup has died, according to a medical examiner.

Nicole E. Burton, 44, died from burn injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where she was transported for medical treatment, the Bexar County Medical Examiner told the Austin-American Statesman newspaper. Her death was ruled accidental.

Austin firefighters responded to the corner of Stoneleigh Place and Bendridge Trail, just south of William Cannon Drive, amid reports of a house exploding. The explosion is now being attributed to damage to a gas line at a neighborhing property, according to Texas Gas Service officials.

Previous story: Emergency Crews Rush To South Austin After 'House Exploded'

Upon their arrival, firefighters found Burton and a man in the front yard of the home with burns on their upper bodies. The house had been leveled down to its wooden beams, emergency officials reported.

“We extend our most comforting thoughts to all of those affected at this difficult time,” Texas Gas Service officials said in a prepared statement on Thursday. “An investigation is underway by an independent expert with experience in investigating incidents of this type to determine the likely cause of the buildup of natural gas.”

Texas Gas Service officials urges customers who smell natural gas odor or find themselves in the midst of a related emergency to leave the area immediately and then call 911 and 800-959-5325.

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