Tragic Explosion and Fire in Lamar Township
Firefighters confirmed that seven individuals were trapped inside a home engulfed in flames, but they were unable to conduct a search due to the intensity of the fire.
A mother and six children, aged between three and 11 years old, died following an explosion and fire at a residence in central Pennsylvania, authorities reported.
Responding to a call about the explosion and fire at a home in Lamar Township, Clinton County, near Mill Hall on Sunday morning, firefighters found seven people trapped inside. However, the building was fully engulfed in flames, preventing rescue efforts, according to a statement from state police. All seven occupants perished. Police identified the victims as Sarah Stolzfus, 34, along with her four sons, aged 11, 10, five, and three, and two daughters, aged eight and six.
Investigation and Possible Cause
The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation. Authorities indicated that a propane leak inside the home might have triggered the incident. They clarified that exterior propane tanks did not explode and were not factors contributing to the fire and explosion.
Eyewitness Account
Neighbor Christina Duck shared her experience with WNEP-TV, describing the moment the explosion occurred.
“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.
Duck mentioned that the family had moved into the home a couple of months prior and that she frequently saw the children playing outside.
