Baby girl and grandparents killed in horrific South Dakota house explosion
A massive house explosion in South Dakota has killed a six-month-old baby and her two grandparents – with two children, 5 and 7, also in critical condition.
Ladonna Hupp, 61, and six-month-old Harper Hupp were found dead at the scene. William “Bill” Hupp, 66, was transported to Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Myles, five, and Royce, three, were airlifted to a burn center in Minnesota, where they remain in critical condition. Myles suffered burns to more than 10 percent of his body and Royce to more than 25 percent of his body, according to a Caring Bridge site set up for the family.
The parents of children Trevor and Kelsey Hupp were at work when the explosion occurred.
The blast, which occurred Wednesday, sent debris flying 50 to 100 yards in all directions and completely razed their home along Highway 1806 in the Antelope Creek area of Stanley County. The only structures that were still standing were some playground equipment.
A six-month-old girl died in a massive house explosion in South Dakota on Wednesday
A GoFundMe has been created for the family and $30,000 has already been raised
Myles, five, and Royce, three, were airlifted to a burn center in Minnesota where they remain in critical condition
The house 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 no foul play is suspected at this time, Rathbun said.
A neighbor initially reported hearing a loud explosion on Wednesday morning and alerted authorities.
A GoFundMe was created for the family by colleague and friend Cindy Erwin, who describes the Hupps as a wonderful family.
It says, ‘Hello everyone, we are raising money for an amazing family in our local community of Pierre, SD. Kelsey is a nurse specialist who I have had the privilege of working with, and Trevor is her husband.
“Today they had a tragic accident in the house of their dreams. While Kelsey and Trevor were working, there was a great explosion that resulted in the total loss of not only their home, but also the loss of their infant daughter, Harper, as well as both of Trevor’s parents.”
Myles suffered burns over 10 percent of his body and Royce was burned over 25 percent of his body
The parents of children Trevor and Kelsey Hupp were at work when the explosion occurred
Trevor Hupp and his six-month-old daughter
The children lost both grandparents Ladonna Hupp, 61, and William “Bill” Hupp, 66, to the blast
The GoFundMe was created for the family by colleague and friend Cindy Erwin, who describes the Hupps as a wonderful family
The Hupps community comes together to support the family in need through CaringBridge and GoFundMe
Their sons Myles, 5, and Royce, 3, were airlifted to a burn center in Minnesota. As Kelsey and Trevor try to help their sons heal when their own hearts are beyond broken, we are asking for donations to help with whatever they are going through right now.”
The GoFundMe has already raised about $30,000 after setting an initial goal of $10,000.
The South Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office says the cause of the explosion is under investigation.