In a tragic incident in southern Wisconsin, two individuals lost their lives when a house exploded and caught fire, causing authorities to believe that the flames ignited ammunition stored inside the home. The explosion occurred on Tuesday, around 11 p.m., just outside the city of Middleton.

Middleton Fire Chief Aaron Harris confirmed that one person was found dead in the wreckage immediately following the explosion, while the body of a second individual was discovered on Wednesday afternoon. The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to release their names following autopsies.

Fortunately, no additional individuals were present in the home at the time of the explosion. However, a dog that survived the incident was found alive and taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it was determined to be in good health.

Images shared by local media depict the devastated home engulfed in flames, with debris scattered nearby, including a broken window. Chief Harris described the immediate aftermath, stating that the explosion caused the house to collapse, leaving behind a sizable debris field.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are currently underway, with both Chief Harris and Elise Schaffer, spokesperson for the Dane County Sheriff's Office, confirming that the incident occurred in a rural area located approximately 4 miles north of downtown Middleton. Middleton itself is situated about 6 miles northwest of Madison.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office released a statement noting that the fire potentially triggered the ammunition inside the home, leading to reports of gunfire from nearby residents. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragic incident.

The community is left grieving as they mourn the loss of two individuals in this unforeseen and devastating incident. The thoughts and condolences of the entire community are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.