Texas Border Business
The Edinburg police department, reported the loss of a young family in Edinburg, yesterday. In this case, the family was just trying to make the best of the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna. Unfortunately, they lost their lives to a silent killer, carbon monoxide.Â
On 7/27/20 at approximately 6:43 pm, Edinburg Police Department responded to the 2000 block of Woodstone Dr., in reference to a welfare concern. Neighbors were alarmed when they noticed they had not seen the family throughout the day and did not see their generator outside.Â
Upon arrival, Edinburg officers made the discovery of a family of 5 unresponsive. They observed a generator inside of the home currently in the ‘on’ position. Four of the family members were pronounced deceased on scene and one was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Among the deceased are a 33 year old male, 34 year old female, 11 year old male and 17 year old female. Currently at the hospital is a 12 year old female in critical condition.
Out of respect for the family and next of kin, police did not released the names of the deceased at this time.
With further investigation, it appears that there were no signs of foul play but was carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator.
This is an absolute tragedy and in many ways could have been prevented. Officers also made contact with a seperate family on the same street who also had their generator inside of their home. This family was reported okay without injury.
We understand that thousands of people are still without power. The aftermath of hurricane Hanna has been difficult and very stressful. It’s important to know the safety measures you must take if you have a generator in your home.
Generators must remain outside at all times while powered on. While running, generators produce a toxic gas called carbon monoxide, which is deadly. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning gas and is tasteless, odorless and invisible. When there is too much of it, it becomes poisonous and deadly.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dull headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea/ vomiting and loss of consciousness. It is important everyone keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms.
Also, if you are without power and use your vehicle to charge your phone, or to cool off in the A.C, please make sure the vehicle is outside and not in the garage. Your car burning gas also produces carbon monoxide and is deadly when contained in an area like a garage.
Authorities urge citizens to remain strong and resilient through these difficult times. What happened to this family was absolutely tragic and heart-wrenching. In so many ways it could have been prevented. It is more important than ever that we stay vigilant and watch out for each other in these hard times.Â
