City News
Austin officials warn residents after deadly explosions from suspicious package bombs
KVUE — The Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services are responding to a second reported explosion on Monday — and now the city's mayor and police chief are warning residents not to open suspicious packages.
Police said the latest explosion was reported in the 6700 block of Galindo Street, near East Riverside Drive and Montopolis Drive, just before noon.
ATCEMS said a woman in her 70s was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center with serious, potentially life threatening injuries. A woman in her 80s was evaluated at the scene but was not taken to the hospital.
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley is headed to the scene and will work with the FBI and ATF National Response Team. Chief Manley tweeted that if you receive a package that you are not expecting, "DO NOT open it," and instead call 9-1-1 immediately.
According to KVUE reporter Christy Millweard, Austin police are evacuating neighbors from the area and attempting to keep it clear.
This is the second explosion in Austin reported on Monday, March 12. The first happened in Central East Austin at a home where a suspicious package was left on the doorstep of a single-family residence. A 17-year-old boy was killed, and a woman in her 40s was injured. Police are investigating whether or not the explosion is linked to another deadly package explosion on March 2 when a man was killed. Police are investigating both cases as homicides.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler reinforced Manley's sentiments in a tweet warning residents to be cautious about suspicious packages.
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This is a developing story. Head to KVUE for continued updates.
