A house in Defiance, Missouri, exploded, killing two young boys, Julian Keiser, 4, and Jamison Keiser, 6, who were at home due to school cancellations caused by extreme weather. Their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, escaped safely.

Neighbor Sharon Oberlag described the boys as “the nicest little boys” who loved school. The explosion occurred early Friday morning, and firefighters could not save the boys in time. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The house, owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, was part of a plan to develop the area into a wine region. The company expressed condolences and support for the family. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $145,000 for funeral expenses and support. The community is deeply mourning the loss of the boys, remembered for their joy and excitement for life.