A mother and her six children were killed in a devastating explosion and fire at their home in Lamar Township near Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, on Sunday (April 19), according to authorities. The victims have been identified as Sarah Stolzfus, age 34, her four sons—ages 11, 10, 5, and 3—and two daughters, ages 8 and 6.
Firefighters responded to reports of an explosion and fire at approximately 8:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found the home on Long Run Road fully engulfed in flames and confirmed that all seven family members were trapped inside. Despite their efforts, firefighters were unable to enter the building due to the intense fire, and all seven occupants died, Pennsylvania State Police stated in a release. The incident is considered one of the deadliest in Clinton County’s history, as reported by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation. Police said a propane leak inside the home is a possible cause, but emphasized that the exterior propane tanks did not explode and were not contributing factors, according to statements from Trooper Stephen Schramm.
Neighbor Christina Duck told WNEP she was eating breakfast when she heard the explosion. “And I heard a boom and I could feel it and I got up and looked out the window and I could see the flames through the windows and I come running outside and within a minute the whole house was completely engulfed,” Duck said. She noted that the family had moved in only a couple of months ago and often saw the children playing outside.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire-Explosion Investigation Unit is leading the investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
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