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Propane confirmed as source of house explosion that killed 2

MOUNTAIN TOP, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say they have confirmed that a propane leak triggered a northeastern Pennsylvania house explosion last month that claimed the lives of a man and woman and sent their son to the hospital.

The (Wilkes-Barre) Citizens' Voice reports that state police investigators in Luzerne County suspect the blast was an accident, but there wasn't enough evidence for a definitive ruling.

Police at the Hazleton barracks say the early morning blast May 17 in Dorrance, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia, killed 66-year-old Ester Rupp Hedgepeth and 77-year-old Eugene Hedgepeth.

Their 20-year-old son was found lying on the ground outside the home. He was taken to a hospital with injuries not deemed life-threatening.

Neighbors reported hearing multiple explosions. The fire marshal said there were multiple tanks on the property.

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Information from: The Citizens' Voice, http://www.citizensvoice.com