Relatives of a Burleson family who lost their home in an explosion are now raising money and trying to raise awareness of a possible effect of this summer. The Wachsmann family was grilling outside their home August 11 when the propane tank exploded.
"Just the shock factor of 'how did this happen' has been very jarring for our whole family," says Karon Zinsmeister. "They grill out all the time. It's summer, they have a pool."
Zinsmeister is the niece of Starla and Todd Wachsmann. She says the couple have two kids.
August 11, she says Todd Wachsmann was grilling out when the propane tank exploded. He was treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Zinsmeister says Starla was okay. Their two sons had been swimming. They had gone inside the house and were able to escape.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says sun exposure can increase the temperature of the propane tank. When the tank itself reaches 120 degrees, pressure inside can grow, and the tank explodes.
"It was just too hot even though the valves were connected properly," Zinsmeister says. "There was no malfunction or anything. It was just simply the Texas heat and heat of the grill that caused this explosion."
The explosion destroyed the family's house. Zinsmeister says the Red Cross and Burleson Fire Department have helped them settle into a new home.
She says they have started sifting through debris at the house for family memories. Zinsmeister says they found Todd Wachsmann's wedding ring.
"It's been a very hard lesson to learn," she says. "It's that every day grappling, so thankful they're okay and have opportunities to make new memories with them, but still, it's pretty emotional."
She says she hopes her family's story can show others the importance of making sure propane tanks are stored safely as triple-digit heat continues into a holiday weekend.
"It's summer here, and if it's just sitting outside, it's something you just never think about," Zinsmeister says. "But it happened. It got too hot. We're just so thankful they're okay."
Zinsmeister has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with temporary needs and housing.
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