Zebulon Man Killed After Propane Tank Explodes

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Kevin Lee Botsford, 56, passed away yesterday in an accidental fire off of Highway 19 in Zebulon. The deadly fire occurred in a duplex at 5343 U.S. Highway 19 and was reported by a neighbor.

Upon entering the 5343 side of the duplex, firefighters were met with the explosion of a propane tank and found Mr. Botsford’s body in a lounge chair. The body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for identification.

“Investigators discovered four different 20-pound propane tanks at the scene of the fire,” said Commissioner King. “Unfortunately, the heater was too close to combustible materials and that led to this deadly accident. It is crucial that Georgians follow my team’s fire safety tips during this winter weather season.”

The death of Mr. Botsford marks the 91st fire fatality in Georgia this year.

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The mission of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.