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The Pennsylvania mom and six kids killed in a devastating weekend house fire were Amish — with only the family’s dad surviving only because he was away at the time.

Nearly the entire Stolzfus family was wiped out after a blaze ripped through their home in Lamar Township — about 30 miles northeast of State College — around 8:30 a.m. Sunday.


  A mother and her six children were killed in a Pennsylvania home explosion on Sunday. WTAJ A mother and her six children were killed in a Pennsylvania home explosion on Sunday. WTAJ

The house was completely engulfed in flames with the 34-year-old mother, Sarah B. Stolzfus, and her kids aged 2 through 10 trapped inside.

But the family’s father, David F. Stolzfus, was not home at the time and now remains the only member of the family still alive, PennLive.com reported.

The blaze is believed to have been caused by a propane explosion, according to state police.

Amish beliefs often bar the use of electricity and other modern technology, but many families find workarounds.


  The blaze in Lamar Township, PA, is believed to have been caused by a propane explosion. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post The blaze in Lamar Township, PA, is believed to have been caused by a propane explosion. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

Propane gas is a commonly used for lighting, cooking and other home needs.

Firefighters rushed to the scene within minutes of the blast, but it was so intense that they weren’t able to get inside and help the trapped family.

Their bodies were finally found and removed once the horrible blaze was stopped.


  Amish families often use propane for home needs due to beliefs against modern technology. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post Amish families often use propane for home needs due to beliefs against modern technology. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

It remains unclear exactly how the family perished – the explosion was so huge that neighbors felt it rattle their homes.

“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,” Christina Duck told WNEP-TV. 

“I come running outside and within a minute the whole house was completely engulfed,” she added.

Duck only recently moved to the are, but said she frequently saw the large family playing together in their yard.

Terrifying photos from the scene showed the home’s structure almost hidden behind the white-hot flames burning towards the sky.

But once the house was cleared It was little more than a charred pile of debris.

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