MISSION, Texas – A gas tank explosion in a senior community leaves residents shaken, sending one to the hospital.
Ashes and a metal frame is the only thing left of the trailer. Behind it, another home was affected in the fire.
Neighbors tell us a gas tank explosion may be to blame for the destruction.
“It was two loud terrific loud booms. Everyone around here says their trailers just shook,” said Jim Birschbach, a neighbor.
The incident happened around 8 PM Thursday night on the 2500 block of East Business Highway 83 in a Mission trailer home park that only houses residents 55 years or older.
The identity of the man whose house was completely burnt down is unknown, but neighbors say he’s a winter Texan.
“I know Joe, but I don’t know him real good. I’ve talked to him many times but he’s from Minnesota, that’s all I can tell you,” continued Birschbach.
The front end of three vehicles on the property was melted.
Mission’s Fire Department Chief, Gilbert Sanchez says the man had been trying to fix his heater for a long time, “The resident was having issues with the water heater and was working on their systems with connections and having issues with that. Also, noticed that they put new tanks and were still running out of propane.”
Sanchez advises residents to seek professional assistance when dealing with water heaters, “Well you know it’s hiring the professionals to do the servicing or replacements of water heaters checking the systems that there’s no leaks. We rely on their certifications and experience to do the job properly.”
Local 23 is told that the owners of the second home affected were not home at the time of the fire. However, the man whose home was completely destroyed was transported to the San Antonio Military Medical Center for treatment.
The incident remains under investigation. Local 23 will bring you more information as it becomes available.
