In a somber gathering on Wednesday (April 22), members of the Amish community in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, laid to rest Sarah Stoltzfus, 34, and her six young children. The family tragically perished in a house fire, believed to have been caused by a propane tank explosion, at their home in Lamar Township on Sunday morning.
The funeral procession, consisting of seven horse-drawn buggies, carried the bodies to East End Cemetery in Salona. According to The Lock Haven Express, the burial was attended by mourning members of the Amish community. The victims included sons Andrew, 11; Benji, 10; Michael, 5; and James, 2; and daughters Susie, 8; and Barbie, 6.
David Stoltzfus, Sarah's husband, was not home at the time of the fire as he was attending a church meeting. The explosion and fire reportedly consumed the house within minutes, leaving no time for rescue. Amish America reported that the community has rallied to support David, organizing fundraising efforts to assist him.
First responders, who were among the first to arrive at the scene, have been attending grief counseling sessions due to the emotional toll of the incident. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing, with state police considering a propane leak as a possible cause, according to WJAC.
For those wishing to help, donations can be made to the David Stoltzfus Fund at First National Bank, PO Box 35, Loganton, PA 17747. The community hopes that the outpouring of support will aid David in this difficult time.