PLUM BOROUGH, Pa. — Five people died and multiple houses were destroyed after an explosion Saturday morning in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania.
Officials say that the explosion happened just before 10:30 a.m. on Rustic Ridge and Brookside drives, WPXI reported.
5 dead, including child
Update 1:51 p.m. EDT Aug. 13: Officials in a news conference Sunday afternoon confirmed that five people were recovered from the scene of the explosion, according to WPXI. One of the deceased included a child.
Fifty-seven firefighters were treated at the scene with “minor issues,” the news outlet reported. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital have since been released. One remains in critical condition.
Plum Borough on its Facebook page said that they are canceling all events scheduled for Monday following the aftermath of the explosion.
“Due to the recent tragedies in the Plum Boro Community, all events taking place on Monday, August 14th will be canceled. These events include Council Meeting, Public Hearing and Monday Market. We appreciate your understanding. Thank you to all the First Responders, businesses, residents, neighboring communities, and anyone who has offered assistance to the Boro at this time. Please keep the residents in Rustic Ridge in your prayers,”
The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are assisting residents that have been impacted by the explosion, WPXI reported.
Peoples Gas also released a statement following the explosion, according to the news outlet.
“Our crews continue to work and coordinate with the Allegheny Fire Marshal, who is leading the investigation. As a precaution, we shut off gas service to about 50 neighborhood homes. We will continue to update our customers on when we believe gas will be restored.”
WPXI shared a video from a neighborhood camera from the moment of the explosion. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
-- Jessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
4 killed, 3 hospitalized; 1 person still missing
Update 12:23 a.m. EDT Aug. 13: Four people were killed, three others were injured and one person was unaccounted for after the explosion in Plum Borough, WPXI-TV reported.
Search and rescue efforts were called off shortly after 10 p.m. EDT due to severe weather in the area, according to the television station.
Officials expect to hold another briefing Sunday at noon.
“As you rebuild, we will have your back,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro tweeted.
-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Lori and I are praying for the families affected by the house explosion in Plum today. ⁰⁰My Administration and @PEMAHQ are coordinating with and supporting county and local emergency responders. ⁰⁰As you rebuild, we will have your back.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 12, 2023
Original report: Multiple houses in the area were damaged with blown-out windows from the explosion, according to the news outlet.
According to The Associated Press, Allegheny County officials said that three people were taken to the hospital following the explosion.
County spokesperson Amie Downs said that two other houses were engulfed in flames, according to the AP. Fire crews from at least 18 different fire departments were called to the area to assist in containing the fire.
One of the houses involved in the explosion was completely leveled to the ground, according to WPXI.
“Our thoughts are with the Plum residents impacted by an explosion and fires in their neighborhood this morning. Our emergency services team are on scene along with our fire marshals. We stand ready to provide any resources necessary for this community,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said in a statement obtained by WPXI.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Crews are continuing to work to find the unaccounted-for people.
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