The explosion occurred purportedly after a project that was digging in the area struck the gas line buried in the earth. The explosion triggered a widespread fire through the rural community, stretching out to an estimated circumference of 400 to 600 feet.

Eyewitness accounts reported that the explosion itself sounded like a loud thunderclap, which was followed by a sound that was something similar to a tornado. The noise from the incident could be heard several miles away from the site.

Six people were taken by helicopter and ambulance to local hospitals by the Johnson County emergency crews.

Officials estimate that the damage to America’s Best Value Inn on south I-35 near Oltorf may equal $1.5 million. The hotel is now closed. Firefighters arrived on the scene around 12:15 pm on Sunday after a 33-year-old man set fire to his room and called to report the incident. The man was arrested a few hours later.

Investigators said the fire spread very quickly because the rooms were not equipped with in-room fire sprinklers. Hotels constructed after 1988 are required to have these sprinklers, but the hotel was built in 1984. It had passed its last fire safety inspection last June.

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The fire broke out around 2:15 a.m. on Thursday at 9219 Anderson Mill Road. Sixty firefighters from the Austin and Jollyville fire departments reported to the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigators say that because the building collapsed, further investigation is needed. Luckily, no one was injured.

Fires can cause a devastating loss of life and property. Trust the installation, inspection, and repair of your fire safety equipment to the Austin fire safety professionals of Ace Fire Equipment. Contact us today by calling 512-835-2020.