A devastating incident unfolded in Brazoria County, Texas, on Sunday afternoon, leaving two people dead and several others injured after a mobile home collapsed during leveling work. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 31-year-old Andray Brown and a 17-year-old boy, occurred on County Road 42, approximately five miles north of Angleton. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is currently investigating the cause of the collapse, with early reports suggesting a possible failure of jack equipment used to stabilize the home.
At approximately 5:03 p.m., authorities received a frantic emergency call reporting that a mobile home, in the process of being leveled, had collapsed. Family members who were working on the leveling project were trapped beneath the structure. The scene quickly turned into a multi-agency rescue operation as law enforcement, emergency medical teams, and local firefighters rushed to the site.
Five individuals were trapped under the mobile home when the collapse occurred. Rescuers used chainsaws to cut through parts of the structure in their efforts to free the victims. According to BCSO, one victim was particularly difficult to reach, requiring more intense efforts to cut through the home’s flooring. The swift and coordinated efforts of the first responders saved multiple lives, but unfortunately, two individuals succumbed to their injuries.
Tragically, Andray Brown, a 31-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities were confirmed by the sheriff’s office, though the relationship between the victims and their involvement in the leveling work remains under investigation. Meanwhile, five others were rescued from beneath the wreckage, four of whom were airlifted to hospitals in the Houston area. All four were reported to be in critical condition, fighting for their lives. The fifth individual was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in stable condition, according to officials.
Preliminary findings from the sheriff’s office suggest that a failure in the jack equipment may have caused the mobile home to collapse. Leveling a mobile home involves the use of jacks and other stabilization tools to ensure the structure is balanced and safe. A malfunction or failure in these systems could lead to a catastrophic collapse, especially with people working underneath. Investigators are now focusing on whether faulty equipment, human error, or other factors played a role in this fatal accident.
According to experts in the field, such collapses during leveling work, while rare, are a stark reminder of the risks involved in home renovation and construction projects. Mobile homes are particularly susceptible to shifting and imbalance, making the use of proper equipment and adherence to safety protocols critical. One local construction professional, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted that “the weight distribution during mobile home leveling can be tricky. Any miscalculation or failure in the jacking equipment can quickly lead to a disaster like this.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the collapse and whether any negligence or faulty equipment was involved. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office has not ruled out the possibility of bringing in external investigators or engineers to further assess the situation. Given the fatalities and the serious injuries sustained by the survivors, the inquiry will be thorough.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the small community near Angleton, with many expressing their condolences to the affected families. The sheriff’s office and other local agencies have asked for privacy for the victims and their families as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating event.
The collapse also underscores the need for increased awareness of the dangers associated with mobile home construction and repair. Safety measures, including regular inspections of equipment, proper training for those involved in the work, and adherence to best practices in construction, can prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), mobile homes require careful handling during setup and repair, as their lightweight structure can be prone to shifts, especially when the ground beneath them is unstable or when the jacking equipment used to level them is faulty. In light of this accident, experts are likely to stress the importance of rigorous safety protocols and possibly call for stricter regulations on mobile home repairs.
The tragic deaths of Andray Brown and the 17-year-old boy have left a deep void in their families and the community. As the survivors continue to receive medical care, and investigators work to unravel the events leading to the collapse, the incident stands as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in home renovation projects. The sheriff’s office has assured the public that they will release further details as the investigation progresses.
In the wake of such a heartbreaking event, local residents are coming together, offering support to the grieving families and hoping for the recovery of those injured. For now, the focus remains on understanding how this tragedy unfolded and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.