PORT ARTHUR — A Port Arthur man who was injured in a house fire Thursday afternoon in Port Arthur has passed away.
Family members tell 12News that 60-year-old Francisco Zepeda passed away Friday afternoon at UTMB Hospital in Galveston after he and his son, 26-year-old Daniel Zepeda, were badly burned in the fire. Family members say Daniel made it through surgery Friday afternoon and is still in critical condition.
Investigators believe the fire was caused by a car explosion and both victims suffered from 2nd and 3rd degree burns in over 70% of their bodies.
A family member said the father and son did not have insurance and most likely will be in the hospital for at least 2 months.
A family friend said Daniel was still in surgery Friday afternoon and has been since morning.
The fire, which was in the 1200 block of Trinity Avenue, was fully involved and mainly focused in the garage and side of the house. Firefighters were able to put out the blaze.
The fire was reported just after 2 p.m. and smoke from it could be seen from several miles away.
Three Firefighters suffered minor injuries with two being transported to a local hospital.
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Two injured in Port Arthur house fire
A Gofundme page for the burn victims is asking for donations to help meet their $50,000 goal.
INFO FROM GOFUNDME PAGE:
This father and son were in a horrible fire caused by a car explosion and are both currently suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns in over 70% of their bodies. They are currently fighting for their lives. They will have to be in the hospital for over two months receiving multiple surgeries. Any donation is greatly appreciated and it will help us immensely
FROM THE PORT ARTHUR FIRE MARSHAL...
On August 2, 2018 the Port Arthur Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a house fire at 01:53. The Fire Department arrived on scene at 01:56 to find a heavily involved residence. The fire was primarily in the garage but was spreading inside the attic and to the inside of the home. Firefighters were able to stop the fire spread, but the home received extensive smoke damage.
When Firefighters arrived there were two male victims that had extensive burns. Both victims were outside of the garage when Firefighters arrived. Both victims were transported via Acadian Ambulance to an off-site location and flown via medical helicopter to the Galveston Burn Unit. One patient is listed in extremely critical condition and the other is critical. Family members indicate that the victims are father and son, Francisco Zepeda 60 years old and Daniel Zepeda 28 years old. Another resident was home at the time but was not injured. Three Firefighters suffered minor injuries with two being transported to a local hospital.
The two male victims were reported to have been in the garage when the fire started. The fire appears to have started in the garage. The exact cause is still under investigation at this time.