A massive home explosion in South Dakota has killed a six-month-old girl and her two grandparents — with two children, 5 and 7, who are also in critical condition.
Ladonna Hupp, 61, and six-month-old Harper Hupp were found dead at the scene. William “Bill” Hupp, 66, was taken to Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Myles, five, and Royce, three, were flown to a burn unit in Minnesota, where they remain in critical condition. Myles suffered burns on over 10 percent of his body and Royce on over 25 percent of his body, according to a Caring Bridge website set up for the family.
The children’s parents, Trevor and Kelsey Hupp, were at work when the explosion happened.
The blast, which occurred Wednesday, sent debris flying 50 to 100 meters in all directions and completely leveled her home along Highway 1806 in the Antelope Creek area of Stanley County. The only structure left standing was some play equipment.
A six-month-old girl died in a massive home explosion in South Dakota on Wednesday
A GoFundMe was created for the family, which has already raised $30,000
Myles, five, and Royce, three, were flown to a burn unit in Minnesota, where they remain in critical condition
The home about 11 miles southwest of Fort Pierre exploded around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, Stanley County Sheriff Brad Rathbun said.
The cause of the explosion is unknown, but at this point there is no suspicion of third-party negligence, Rathbun said.
A neighbor first reported hearing a loud explosion on Wednesday morning and alerted the authorities.
A GoFundMe was created for the family by colleague and friend Cindy Erwin, who describes the Hupps as a great family.
It said, “Hi everyone, we’re raising money for a great family in our local church, Pierre, SD.” Kelsey is a registered nurse I’ve had the privilege of working with and Trevor is her husband.
“Today they had a tragic accident at the house of their dreams. While Kelsey and Trevor were at work, a massive explosion occurred which not only resulted in the total loss of their home, but also the loss of their young daughter, Harper, and both of Trevor’s parents.
Myles sustained burns over 10 percent of his body and Royce sustained burns over 25 percent of his body
The children’s parents, Trevor and Kelsey Hupp, were at work when the explosion happened
Trevor Hupp and his six-month-old daughter
The children lost their two grandparents, Ladonna Hupp, 61, and William “Bill” Hupp, 66, in the blast
The GoFundMe was created for the family of colleague and friend Cindy Erwin, who describes the Hupps as a great family
The Hupps community comes together to support families in need through CaringBridge and GoFundMe
“Her sons Myles, 5, and Royce, 3, were flown to an incineration unit in Minnesota. As Kelsey and Trevor seek to help their sons heal while their own hearts are beyond broken, we are asking for donations to help with whatever they are currently facing.”
GoFundMe has already raised around $30,000 after the original goal was $10,000.
The South Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office said the cause of the blast is under investigation.
