DEFIANCE, Mo. – Two children tragically lost their lives in a horrific home explosion in a rural area of eastern Missouri, authorities reported Friday. The incident occurred just west of St. Louis around 7:45 a.m. when police responded to reports of the explosion in Defiance.
Upon arrival, officers found a home engulfed in flames. Two adults residing in the home were able to escape, although one sustained a minor injury. A St. Charles County officer also suffered a minor injury in the incident. Unfortunately, the two children, aged 4 and 6, were unable to make it out of the house.
The firefighters’ swift arrival allowed them to make contact with the children, however, they were unable to reach them in time due to the intense flames and smoke. According to St. Charles County Police Department Cpl. Barry Bayles, the names of the children have not been released.
A GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of the family to honor the boys, describing them as bright rays of light and joy. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. The community is devastated by this heartbreaking event and is pulling together to support the family during this difficult time.
The authorities continue to work diligently to understand the circumstances surrounding the explosion, and the impact it has had on the local community. This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need to prioritize the well-being of every family and individual.