ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Seven members of a local Amish family were killed Sunday morning following an explosion and house fire in the 700 block of Long Run Road, Lamar Township.

JOHN WERT/FOR THE EXPRESS
Seven members of a local Amish family were killed Sunday morning following an explosion and house fire in the 700 block of Long Run Road, Lamar Township.

SALONA — Seven members of a local family — a mother and her six children — died in one of the deadliest fires in Clinton County’s recent history over the weekend, caused by what was believed to be an explosion.

On Sunday morning at about 8:30 a.m., emergency crews were called to a structure fire at 797 Long Run Road, Lamar Township for reports of an explosion and fire.

While on scene, fire department volunteers confirmed that seven occupants — 34-year-old Sara B. Stoltzfus and six children, an 11-year-old Andrew, 10-year-old Benji, 8-year-old Susie, 6-year-old Barbie, 5-year-old Michael and 3-year-old James — were trapped inside the home.

An obituary published by the Gedon Funeral Home noted Sara was the wife of David F. Stoltzfus and the daughter of Levi K. and Lizzie Esh, who survive.

Already, community members have begun to rally around the Stoltzfus family.

The Old School Market, located at 34 East End Mountain Road, shared on social media that it would have a donation box for David on Friday and Saturday. The box will be located between its two offices.

The market also announced an account was established for monetary donations. According to information shared to its social media, checks can be made payable to David Stoltzfus Fund.

Donations may be dropped off at the Old School Market or mailed to David Stoltzfus Fund, First National Bank, PO Box 35, Loganton, PA 17747.

According to a report from state police at Lamar, due to the structure being fully involved upon arrival, there was no ability to search for the victims.

Reports filed by Trooper Stephen Schramm, of State Police Fire/Explosion Investigation Unit, an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. However, his reports indicated a propane leak in the interior of the residence is a possible cause.

“It should be noted the exterior propane tanks did not explode nor were they contributing factors of the explosion/fire,” according to the report.

Schramm along with his unit from PSP Montoursville is conducting the origin and cause investigation, along with a death investigation which is ongoing.