In a devastating incident that shocked the community of Whitmore Lake, a house explosion resulted in the loss of four lives and left two others injured. Northfield Township officials have now identified the victims and are continuing their investigation into the cause of the explosion.

The explosion occurred on Saturday in the residence of 72-year-old Richard Pruden, who was the homeowner. Tragically, Richard's daughter Hope Bragg, 51, along with her husband Don Bragg, 53, their son Kenneth, 22, and their daughter Elizabeth, 19, all lost their lives in the blast. Richard himself is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Hope's other son, Stephen, 16, sustained injuries but is currently in stable condition.

The authorities have been working diligently to ascertain the cause of the explosion which, according to preliminary findings, is believed to be an undetermined fuel-air explosion that occurred around 1 p.m. on Saturday. Police have emphasized that no foul play is suspected at this time. The sheer magnitude of the explosion caused crucial evidence to be scattered across approximately 2 acres of the property.

"This is an unprecedented event," stated Northfield Township Police Lt. David Powell, reflecting the disbelief within the community after the tragedy.

In the ongoing investigation, both the Michigan State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are providing assistance to the local authorities. Their collective efforts aim to determine the underlying causes of the explosion and help prevent similar incidents in the future.

In the wake of this tragedy, the families of the victims have reached out for support, setting up individual GoFundMe pages for Richard and Stephen, who are still hospitalized. These fundraising initiatives demonstrate the unity and compassion within the community during this trying time.

As the investigation continues, the community has come together to plan a vigil in memory of the victims. The vigil is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. and will take place at Whitmore Lake High School. It is expected to serve as a space for communal support, remembrance, and healing.

The devastating house explosion in Whitmore Lake has left an indelible mark on the community. As authorities work towards finding answers, the focus remains on supporting the surviving family members and remembering those who lost their lives too soon.