AUSTIN, Texas — Tragedy struck in two U.S. states on Monday as separate incidents left a combined total of five people dead.
In Texas’ capital, Austin Police say a gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store, killing two adults and a child. The suspect, described as a man in his 30s with a history of mental health issues, fled in a stolen vehicle, later crashing it and stealing another from a dealership. Police captured him about 20 miles away in south Austin using a Taser. Authorities are still working to determine a motive.
Emergency responders pronounced an adult and child dead at the scene, while another adult died in hospital. A fourth person was treated for a non-traumatic medical issue. Police believe one of the victims may have been the owner of the first stolen vehicle.
“This is a very sad day for Austin,” said Police Chief Lisa Davis, offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, an explosion at the Clairton Coke Works, a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh, killed two people and injured at least ten others. The blast, which occurred around 10:51 a.m., heavily damaged part of the sprawling facility and was followed by several smaller explosions. One worker was rescued alive from the wreckage hours later.
County officials urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to respond. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
