ELMORA -- An explosion and fire early Monday morning destroyed the Bakerton Rod and Gun Clubhouse in Cambria County.
Fire crews arrived just after 7 a.m. where authorities say people were inside preparing breakfast for veterans for the Memorial Day parade.
The building is a total loss.
One woman and a firefighter were injured after the Carrolltown fire chief says some kind of natural gas explosion caused the fire.
Despite it all, everyone still came together to honor veterans and soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The sun shines down on the American flag, as many remember the troops who fought and died protecting our country.
But next to some flags lay the burnt remnants of the Bakerton Rod and Gun Club.
"The club was built by the people of this town. They put their heart and soul into that club," said member Cecelia Farabaugh.
While remembering the fallen on Memorial Day, many also take time to honor the living.
A veteran's breakfast was planned to be at the club until tragedy struck.
"When there's tragedy, Bakerton really steps up and takes care of their own," said member Lynn McGarvey.
The Bakerton Athletic Club stepped up and hosted the veteran's breakfast.
"Today was about the veterans,” McGarvey said. “And with such a loss from the rod and gun, the community pulled together and made it happen."
They say about 75 people showed up, all thanks to generous donations.
"We got donations from Northern Cambria. We got donations from Carrolltown,” Farabaugh said. “Everybody just pulled together and made it happen."
The rod and gun club is a big part of the community.
It has a gun range, and recently held a fishing derby for those with special needs.
"It means a lot to this community. It is very unfortunate that it happened, but I love how Bakerton all comes together," said Lonnie Blake, president of the Carrolltown American Auxiliary.
"We're very thankful that it was not any worse than it could have been,” Farabaugh said.
“I'm very thankful that, minor injuries--everybody's OK, and everybody gets to live to see another day," McGarvey said.
Community members say they will come together and rebuild the Rod and Gun Club.
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