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Two Students Identified in Buffington Township House Fire as Community Mobilizes; Coroner Rules Blaze Accidental

Community support includes school counseling, fundraisers, memorial planning.

Overview

  • Authorities identified the victims as 14-year-old Justin Haase and 12-year-old Emily Rummel, both students in the United School District.
  • The pre-dawn Nov. 9 fire destroyed a home on the 900 block of Dilltown Heights Road in Buffington Township, with reports differing on whether the call came just before 2:30 a.m. or just after 3 a.m.
  • The Indiana County coroner ruled the fire accidental and scheduled autopsies for Monday, Nov. 10, as investigators continue their review.
  • One adult woman was taken to the hospital, and her condition has not been released.
  • Donations have raised thousands of dollars, the school is collecting clothing for the displaced family, a local diner is contributing proceeds, and a memorial for Haase is set for Wednesday at the New Florence Fire Hall.