An apparent house explosion in Western Pennsylvania on Saturday morning has resulted in three people being injured and three others missing. The incident, which occurred in the borough of Plum in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, left several homes destroyed and damaged. Emergency responders received a distressing 911 call reporting a house explosion with multiple injuries and multiple houses on fire. The situation remains active as authorities work to extinguish nearby structures and secure gas lines.
According to Allegheny County spokesperson Amie Downs, the explosion took place at around 10:23 a.m. First responders arrived at the scene to find individuals trapped under debris. One house had completely exploded, while two others were engulfed in flames. The impact of the explosion resulted in the destruction of three structures, with at least a dozen more sustaining damage, including blown-out windows. The area was strewn with debris, scattered across lawns and the street.
Downs confirmed that three individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment, while three others remain unaccounted for. The borough of Plum immediately urged people to stay away from the affected area, specifically Rustic Ridge, where several homes were seen on fire in video footage captured at the scene. A woman filming a game at the municipal baseball fields managed to capture the sound of the explosion, which occurred less than a mile away.
In response to the incident, eighteen fire departments were dispatched to the scene. Allegheny County Emergency Management officials and the Allegheny County Fire Marshals are also present, working alongside the first responders. The priority is to extinguish nearby structures and ensure the safety of the gas lines. The situation remains active, and authorities are diligently working to bring it under control.
The explosion has caused significant damage to the community of Rustic Ridge, with three homes destroyed and several others damaged. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway. The incident has left residents shocked and concerned for the safety of their community. Plum, located approximately 18 miles east of Pittsburgh, is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event.