Mother and Six Children Killed in Pennsylvania House Explosion
A suspected propane leak triggers a deadly blaze that claims the lives of a mother and her six children in Pennsylvania.
- Explosion kills mother and six children
- Fire engulfed home before rescue efforts
- Suspected propane leak under investigation
A woman and her six children have died following a devastating house explosion and fire in Pennsylvania, authorities have confirmed.
Emergency responders were called to the scene in Lamar Township at around 08:30 local time (13:30 GMT) on Sunday after reports of an explosion at a residence.
When firefighters arrived, the home was already fully engulfed in flames. Officials said the intensity of the fire prevented crews from entering the building to search for survivors.
Police later identified the victims as 34-year-old Sarah B Stolzfus and her six children—four boys and two girls—ranging in age from three to 11.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion may have been caused by a propane leak inside the home.
Footage from local media showed thick black smoke rising as flames rapidly consumed the structure, eventually causing part of the house to collapse.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident and are working to determine the exact cause. The Pennsylvania State Police has been contacted for further details.
A neighbour, Christina Duck, described the moment the explosion occurred. Speaking to local outlet WNEP-TV, she said she was having breakfast with her daughter when she heard a loud “boom.”
She recalled feeling the blast before looking outside and seeing flames already spreading through the home. Within minutes, she said, the fire had completely overtaken the building.
Duck added that residents rushed outside and called emergency services, but by the time firefighters arrived, the house was already beyond saving.
