In a tragic incident in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, a mother and her six children, aged between 3 and 11, lost their lives following a devastating explosion and fire at their home, according to local authorities.

The emergency services were alerted to an explosion and subsequent fire at a residence in Lamar Township, Clinton County, early Sunday morning. Despite firefighters arriving swiftly at the scene, the intense flames prevented any immediate search and rescue efforts, as reported by the Pennsylvania State Police.

All seven individuals were confirmed deceased, with the victims identified as Sarah Stolzfus, 34, along with her four sons, aged 11, 10, 5, and 3, and her two daughters, aged 8 and 6.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that a propane leak inside the home might have been responsible for the blast and subsequent fire. Authorities have clarified that the external propane tanks remained intact and did not contribute to the tragic event.

A neighbor, Christina Duck, shared her experience with WNEP-TV. “I was having breakfast when I heard a boom. It was so powerful that I could feel it. I rushed to the window and saw flames, and within moments, the entire house was engulfed,” she recounted.

“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.

The family moved in a couple of months ago, Duck said, noting that she often saw the children outside playing.