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Hometown market sends condolences to Amish family

All but one member of an Amish family died in a house fire caused by an explosion Sunday morning in central Pennsylvania.

The surviving member, David Stoltzfus, operates Fisher’s Woodworking stand at the Hometown Farmers Market. He lost his wife and their six children in the fire.

“It is with a heavy heart that we post this ... many have heard the news reports of our Amish friends losing their entire family and home. The Stoltzfus family is in our hearts and prayers for the tragedy they are enduring,” the market posted on Facebook.

According to state police, emergency responders were dispatched to Long Run Road in Lamar Township, Clinton County, at 8:30 a.m. for reports of an explosion and structure fire with entrapment.

Police said seven people were trapped inside the house. When emergency personnel arrived, the fire was fully involved and there was no way to search for the victims.

Troopers said Sarah Stoltzfus, 34, and six children ranging in age from 2 to 11 died in the fire.

According to an obituary for Sarah from the Gedon Funeral Home in Lock Haven, the children who died were Andrew Stoltzfus, 11; Benji Stoltzfus, 10; Susie Stoltzfus, 8; Barbie Stoltzfus, 6; Michael Stoltzfus, 5; and James Stoltzfus, 2.

The obituary notes that Sarah was married to David, and that she was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

David Stoltzfus was not home at the time of the fire, according to several news reports.

State police said a propane leak inside the residence is a possible cause of the explosion and fire. Troopers noted that exterior propane tanks did not explode and were not contributing factors.