Passing Driver Hurt in Texas Lab Explosion
Officials say a driver has been hurt by flying debris from an explosion at an Austin-area lab associated with the University of Texas.
UT spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon says Tuesday’s accident involved equipment failure in a metal building in Leander, leading to an explosive release of gas. The lab, run by the UT Institute for Advanced Technology, does research on high-velocity projectiles.
James Swartz was driving his truck and was about 50 feet from the site when the structure exploded. Swartz was treated for minor injuries and released from a hospital.
Officials say five workers running an experiment were not injured.
UT environmental and safety experts will help investigate the accident in Leander, about 20 miles northwest of Austin.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Popular Today
- Public Adjuster Accused of Swiping $600,000 in Hurricane Ian Insurance Payments
- Hail A Growing Loss Driver on Rising Tide of Severe Convective Storm Risk, Allianz Says
- Secret Codes and Yuan Fees Get Ships Through Iran’s Hormuz Tollbooth
- After 62 Years, Florida Appeals Court Drops the Expert Witness Rule on Attorney Fees
Popular This Month