On Wednesday, two grandparents and their 6-month-old granddaughter lost their lives in an explosion that leveled a house near Fort Pierre, South Dakota.
Stanley County Sheriff Brad Rathbun confirmed that 61-year-old Ladonna Hupp, 6-month-old Harper Hupp, and 66-year-old William “Bill” Hupp lost their lives. Two boys, 5-year-old Myles and 3-year-old Royce were rushed to the hospital and later airlifted to a burn center in Minnesota.
Foul play was not suspected in the explosion, which sent debris flying up to 100 yards, completely flattening the home. There were reports of a loud explosion around 10:20 a.m. from a neighbor, who alerted the authorities. Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson offered sympathies to the family but chose not to make public comment at this time.
The boys’ parents were reported to be Kelsey and Trevor Hupp, who were at work in town at the time of the blast. According to Kelsey Hupp Myles has burns on 10% of his body and is intubated, while Royce has 25% of his body burned, with more severe third-degree burns on his chest and arms.
In the wake of this tragedy, the local community has come together to support the family, raising more than $226,000 as of Thursday through a GoFundMe page, as well as offering their love and prayers.