Ragley, Louisiana - In an update, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (LASFM) has confirmed that seven people were inside the home at the time a devastating explosion and fire ripped through a residential area in Ragley, Louisiana, on Saturday, August 31, resulting in the loss of one life and multiple injuries.

According to authorities, a 16-year-old did not survive the explosion. Five others were hospitalized with varying degrees of injury. Fortunately, a toddler who was also in the home at the time has been taken in by relatives and is receiving care.

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams expressed his condolences to the affected family and community, stating, "This is an unimaginable tragedy for this family and community. This investigation is still very much active, but we have a top-notch team working diligently to get as many answers for this family as possible."

The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. on Saturday when Beauregard Fire District #2 responded to a report of a residential explosion in the 1100 block of Pullin Road in Ragley. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a large debris field, fire, and several injured survivors.

The LASFM has launched an active and ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire. As more information becomes available, it will be released to the public.