House explosion in upstate New York kills girl, 14, injures 4

A high school girl died and at least four relatives were injured when a blast leveled their two-story home in upstate New York early Tuesday, officials said.
The Johnson family was in their home in Wilson, about 30 miles from Buffalo, when an explosion ripped it apart about 6 a.m., according to the Niagara County sheriff’s office. Sarah Johnson, 14, who would have been a ninth-grader at Wilson Central High School in September, was killed in the blast. The explosion could reportedly be felt four miles away.

Four members of the family, including the parents, Jody and Judith, were found injured in a nearby ditch. All of the injured were taken to Erie County Medical Center. One daughter, Katie, 18, is listed in critical condition; the others are listed in stable condition, according to the sheriff’s office.

PHOTOS: New York house explosion

Two other children were visiting friends and were not at the house.

The occupants told investigators they had smelled propane on Monday, but it was unknown what action was taken, if any, Niagara County Undersheriff Michael Filicetti told the Associated Press. A dispatcher at the sheriff’s office said all of the officers were still at the explosion site in the afternoon.

Neighbors told the Buffalo Evening News that they had felt the explosion, and several rushed to help. “I heard a loud bang and everything shook,” neighbor Michael McGraw said.

When firefighters arrived, they found the leveled house and several fires burning.

“I’ve been in the fire company 47 years, and this is the worst I’ve ever seen,” Richard Townsend of the South Wilson Fire Company, told the Buffalo Evening News.

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