Four Members of Arkansas Family killed in Tragic House Explosion in Michigan

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — In a devastating incident over the weekend, a fatal house explosion in Michigan claimed the lives of four individuals from an Arkansas family. The Northfield Township Police Department identified the victims on Tuesday as Hope Bragg, 51, her husband Don Bragg, 53, and their children, Kenneth Bragg, 22, and Elizabeth Bragg, 19, all hailing from Monticello, Arkansas.

According to authorities, the explosion, which occurred on Saturday, is believed to have been caused by flammable fuel present in the air, rather than any malicious intent. This tragic incident shook the community, leaving it in shock and grief.

The explosion took place at the residence of Hope Bragg’s father, Richard Pruden, 72, who is currently in critical condition. Another family member, Stephen Bragg, 16, managed to escape the blast with minor injuries and is now in a stable condition.

The devastating blast completely obliterated the family’s residence, situated roughly 45 miles west of Detroit. The Bragg family had traveled to Michigan to celebrate the holiday season, unaware that their trip would end in such tragedy. Lieutenant David Powell, a spokesperson for the Northfield Township Police Department, described the extent of the destruction as unprecedented.

Hope Bragg, one of the victims, was a highly regarded instructor at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, where she made significant contributions to the field. Her husband, Don Bragg, was an accomplished research forester at the U.S. Forest Service, dedicating his career to the preservation and study of forests. Their respective LinkedIn profiles reflect their expertise and passion for their work.