ROGERS, Texas — In Rogers, Texas, a community continues to grapple with the aftermath of a deadly gas explosion on Christmas Eve that claimed the life of Manuela Carrillo and left her husband, Fidel Carrillo, with severe burns. The couple’s family members were also injured in the explosion, which has prompted an ongoing investigation into the cause of the reported natural gas leak.
Maryann Ortiz, a neighbor, described Manuela Carrillo as a beloved member of the community, known for her kindness and devout Catholic faith. The loss of Mrs. Carrillo has deeply saddened and devastated the close-knit Rogers community, leaving a noticeable void in the neighborhood.
In response to the tragedy, a breakfast fundraiser was organized to support the Carrillo family, drawing hundreds of people from the community. Additionally, a forthcoming event called Cars for a Cause aims to raise further funds for the family, featuring a display of various vehicles, live music, and food vendors.
Elizabeth Guajardo, the owner of Petey’s Snowcones, expressed a desire to give back to the Rogers community, echoing the support that the community has previously shown to her business. The Cars for a Cause event, scheduled to take place from 12-3pm on Saturday at Bulldog Auto Detailing in Temple, provides another opportunity for individuals to contribute to the Carrillo family fund.
For those unable to attend the event, donations can be made by mailing them to Rogers Bank, with the recipient listed as ‘The Carrillo Family Fund’ at PO Box 99 in Rogers, Texas.
As the community rallies to support the Carrillo family in the wake of this tragic event, the investigation into the gas explosion remains ongoing, with the hope of preventing similar incidents in the future.