Credit: Photo by Richard Whittaker

It often sounds like hyperbole, but homes were literally rocked tonight in Hyde Park around 8pm when a house exploded after a gas leak.

According to Austin Fire Department, its personnel had been called to the home on Evans Street after reports of a gas leak. After evacuating the residents from the building, firefighters were knocked flat by the sudden explosion which caused buildings to shake as far away as Red River. One firefighter was taken to hospital with a knee injury incurred during the blast.

This article appears in January 30 • 2009.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.