Wrong Fuel Sparks Explosion, Destroys Amish Schoolhouse

A devastating fire that leveled an Amish schoolhouse in rural northeastern Crawford County, Pennsylvania, on March 27 has been ruled accidental. State police reported that the explosion and subsequent blaze were triggered when incorrect fuel was used to start a fire in a woodburning stove at the Hidden View Amish School.

Ten students, ranging in age from 6 to 11, were present along with their 17-year-old teacher. The teacher and two students sustained injuries and were transported by helicopter to hospitals in Buffalo and Pittsburgh.

The fire was first noticed by a passerby who observed smoke and then an explosion. Fire crews arriving on the scene found the schoolhouse fully engulfed. Firefighters from Spartansburg and four neighboring departments worked to extinguish the flames. The investigation concluded that the destructive event was a tragic accident.