Lamar Township Explosion Claims Mother and Six Children

An early-morning explosion in a Lamar Township home northwest of Harrisburg sparked a fire that killed a mother, 34, and her six children ages 3 to 11. Firefighters arrived around 8:30 a.m. to find the house engulfed, with no chance to search for victims. Authorities say a propane tank leak inside the residence may have sparked the blaze, while exterior gas tanks did not explode. The family’s Amish connection and the husband’s status were noted as investigators continue looking into the cause.