Explosion kills girl, levels house

Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters look for clues at the scene of a home that exploded Tuesday in Wilson, N.Y., about 30 miles from Buffalo. (Stephen M Wallace / Associated Press)

July 24, 2012 1:57 PM PT

An explosion at a house in Wilson, N.Y., early Tuesday killed a teenage girl and injured her parents and two siblings, authorities said. The home was leveled. Sarah Johnson’s body was found in the debris at the rear of the home, officials said. The other members of her family were blown clear and found in the front yard. All four were being treated at a Buffalo hospital, a deputy said. Full story

Debris from the home explosion litters the street as a victim is wheeled to safety Tuesday morning. (Stephen M Wallace / Associated Press)

The explosion that ripped apart the Johnson home about 6 a.m. could reportedly be felt four miles away. Occupants reportedly told investigators that they had smelled propane on Monday. (Stephen M Wallace / Associated Press)

Fire hoses snake around the property where the Johnson home stood. (Stephen M Wallace / Associated Press)

A firefighter searches the burned-out basement of a home in Wilson, N.Y., that was destroyed by an early morning explosion Tuesday. A teenage girl was killed and four family members were injured in the blast. (Stephen M Wallace / Associated Press)