A devastating explosion rocked a home in Defiance, Missouri, on Friday morning, tragically claiming the lives of two young boys, Julian Keiser, 4, and Jamison Keiser, 6. The boys were at home after their school canceled classes due to extreme weather when the explosion occurred. Their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, managed to escape unharmed.

Despite the quick response from firefighters, they were unable to reach the boys in time due to the intense flames. “The fire prevented them from being found right away,” explained Chief Dan Casey of the New Melle Fire Protection District.

Neighbor Sharon Oberlag, who heard the explosion, described Julian and Jamison as “the nicest little boys,” sharing that they loved school and thought it was “the coolest thing ever.”

The Hoffmann Family of Companies, owners of the building, expressed their deep sorrow: “Our hearts are with the member of our team and their family who lost their children and grandchildren.”

This heartbreaking loss has left the entire community, and the nation, in mourning.