A tragic house explosion in Defiance, Missouri, on Friday morning claimed the lives of two young brothers, Julian Keiser, 4, and Jamison Keiser, 6. The disaster struck on a day when local schools had canceled classes due to extreme weather, leaving the boys at home with family.

Their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, managed to escape the burning home. Despite the swift arrival of first responders, the children could not be rescued in time.

Chief Dan Casey of the New Melle Fire Protection District said the intensity of the fire made it impossible to locate the boys quickly. “The fire prevented them from being found right away,” he explained, describing the challenges firefighters faced in their rescue efforts.

Neighbors were left shaken by the loss. Sharon Oberlag, who lives nearby, remembered Julian and Jamison as “the nicest little boys” with an endless love for school. “They thought school was the coolest thing ever,” she recalled.

The home was owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, who expressed deep sorrow. In a statement, they said, “Our hearts are with the member of our team and their family who lost their children and grandchildren.”

Community members quickly rallied to support the grieving family. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Dan Tripp, co-owner of Good News Brewing, has already raised more than $145,000. The funds will go toward funeral costs and helping the family rebuild their lives.

Evelyn and her mother Jennifer, both active in the Defiance Merchants Association, have long been part of the community that is now standing by them. “This is about surrounding them with love and support,” Tripp said.

Neighbor Laura Emerson placed a Christmas wreath at the ruins of the house, remembering the boys as “intelligent, happy, and loved.” Their memory, she said, will remain a light in the community.