A house in Defiance, Missouri, exploded Friday morning, killing two children, Julian Keiser, 4, and Jamison Keiser, 6. School had been canceled due to extreme weather, leaving the boys at home near Highway 94, just outside St. Louis.
Their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, escaped safely, but firefighters could not reach the boys in time. Chief Dan Casey confirmed that smoke and flames delayed the rescue.
Neighbors described the boys as “the nicest little boys” who loved school. Sharon Oberlag, a local neighbor, recalled hearing a loud explosion and watching the community rush to help.
The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation. The home was owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, who expressed condolences and pledged support for the family and community.
Located near the Turpiano-owned Defiance RoadHouse, the tragedy highlights the dangers of home accidents and the importance of family safety.
