Father, son critically injured in explosion linked to propane tank

A father and son are in critical condition with severe burns following an explosion in the Town of Cedarburg that destroyed an outdoor shed Saturday.

According to a press release from the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Cedarburg residents Michael Foeger, 54, and Karl Foeger, 82, were injured in the explosion that occurred at about 11:48 a.m. in the 2300 block of Brandt Drive in the Town of Cedarburg.

The younger Foeger is a lieutenant with the Jackson Police Department.

In a social media post, Jackson Police Chief Ryan Vossekuil said Foeger “is a nearly 30-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department and previously served for 10 years as Chief of the Newburg Police Department. Throughout his career, Mike has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others.”

The fire created a large amount of black smoke coming from the area, the press release said.

Both men suffered critical injuries and were transported to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee.

A dog was also injured in the blast and was taken to an animal hospital, the release said.

On Monday, the sheriff’s office reported that both men were stable but still in critical condition.

The explosion occurred in a metal outbuilding. The building was a total loss.

The explosion has been determined to be accidental. While the exact cause has not been determined, investigators believe a propane tank may have contributed to the explosion, the release said.

The Fraternal Order of Police Kettle Moraine Lodge #10 has created a fundraiser at gofund.me/ded0c39b9.

As of Tuesday, $75,410 had been raised to help pay medical expenses, with a goal of raising $80,000.

Thirteen fire departments responded to the incident.

Agencies responding included the Cedarburg, Ozaukee Central, Port Washington, Fredonia, Germantown, Hartford, Newburg, Southern Ozaukee, Jackson, Menomonee Falls, Richfield, Waubeka and West Bend fire departments; the Cedarburg and Grafton police departments; and WE Energies.