Northwest Austin Explosion Survivor Files Lawsuit Over Devastating Blast

Carol Schacherl, a resident of Northwest Austin, has initiated legal action following a catastrophic home explosion that occurred on April 13, 2025.

The blast, which took place on Double Spur Loop, resulted in injuries to six individuals and caused damage to 24 homes, including a nearby school.

The Travis County Fire Marshal attributed the explosion to a substantial propane gas leak within a newly constructed residence.

According to court documents, the explosion transpired when the homeowner attempted to test the gas stove, unaware that the house was filled with propane.

Upon ignition, the home exploded, causing the neighboring house, where Schacherl resided, to collapse on top of her.

Schacherl sustained multiple broken bones, underwent several surgeries, and was placed in a coma during her hospitalization.

Tragically, during her recovery, her husband of 46 years passed away, depriving her of the opportunity to bid him farewell.

In her lawsuit, Schacherl alleges that neither she nor her neighbors detected any odor from ethanethiol, the chemical added to propane to signal gas leaks, prior to the explosion.

She contends that the general contractor, Mark Dawson Homes, along with propane companies including Propane Plus, LLC, Blossman Gas, Inc., Tri-Co Propane, Inc., ETC Plumbing, Inc., and Viega, LLC, failed to install a propane tank and gas lines free from leaks.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims these entities are responsible for manufacturing and selling propane with insufficient quantities of ethanethiol.

Schacherl emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "We need to hold everyone accountable for doing a good job, doing a safe job, and not doing anything that could impact the entire community."

The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages to cover medical expenses, property repairs, and other losses.

In response, one defendant, Propane Plus, issued a statement expressing confidence in the quality of their services and noting that the precise cause of the leak and subsequent explosion is still under investigation.

Other defendants have yet to respond to requests for comment.

As the community continues to recover from the devastation, this legal action underscores the profound impact of the explosion on the lives of those affected.