Two people tragically lost their lives in a house explosion and fire in southern Wisconsin, with authorities suspecting that reported gunfire was likely ignited ammunition stored inside the home.
The incident occurred just outside the city of Middleton late Tuesday night, with one person found dead in the rubble of the home immediately after the explosion. A second body was discovered the following afternoon, according to Middleton Fire Chief Aaron Harris.
Fortunately, no additional individuals were inside the home at the time of the explosion, but a surviving dog was found alive and in good health after being checked at an emergency veterinary clinic.
Images from local media show the destroyed home engulfed in flames, with debris scattered around the area. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by authorities.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the names of the deceased individuals after autopsies are conducted. The home that exploded is located in a rural area near Middleton, approximately 4 miles north of downtown Middleton and about 6 miles northwest of Madison.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office stated that the fire may have triggered ammunition inside the home, leading nearby residents to report hearing gunfire. The community is left in shock and mourning as they await further details on this tragic event.