Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

Family of four dead in house fire, explosion

Posted at 6:32 AM, Jan 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-12 06:32:09-05

A family of four is dead after a home exploded in northeast Ohio on Monday night. 

The bodies of a mother, father and two girls—ages 8 and 12—were found by fire crews on the first floor of the home overnight. The two young girls were found near their mother. The father was found near the rear of the home in Northfield, Ohio.

All died instantly, according to authorities.

WATCH the most recent update in the video player above.

The home exploded around 9 p.m.

Neighbors in the area were shaken up after the explosion, saying they saw a bright light and heard a big boom. 

One man told Cleveland-based newsnet5.com he and a few other residents ran into the house and yelled to see if anyone was home, but no one answered. 

At this time the cause is unknown but fire officials said they don't believe it was gas related.

"Right now they don't suspect that it was gas," said Northfield Center Township Fire Chief Frank Risko. "There was no trace of a gas explosion but that'll be checked out with the state fire marshals."

Risko said this is his first deadly fire in the 25 years he has been with the department.