When a home exploded in Plum early on Saturday morning, three homes were completely destroyed and at least a dozen others suffered damage, according to Allegheny County officials.
According to county spokesperson Amie Downs, the explosion, which was reported at approximately 10:23 a.m. on Rustic Ridge Drive near Brookside Drive, resulted in the hospitalisation of three people and the disappearance of three more.
“When the police and fire departments’ first responders got on the site, they reported finding individuals trapped beneath debris, that it appeared as though one house had burst, and that two more were on fire. Windows from numerous further residences were blown out, according to a statement from Downs.
As nearly 20 local fire agencies continue to respond, water tankers are on the site. The county fire marshal and representatives from Allegheny County Emergency Management are also there.
As firemen continue to put out fires at surrounding structures, gas lines are being secured. The 1996 Old Mine Rd. location of the Renton Volunteer Fire Department is suggested for those in need of a place to go.
“I’ve been to six house explosions in Plum, and this is the worst I’ve seen in 47 years or 48 years, the worst one, just the amount of damage,” said James Sims, chief of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department and emergency management coordinator for Plum.
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Borough manager Mike Thomas lived in the house that exploded, according to Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel, who spoke to Action News 4 in Pittsburgh.
Schlegel stated that he was unclear of Thomas’ condition. The mayor reported that in addition to his wife and kid being brought to the hospital, a guy who lives in a nearby house was airlifted to UPMC Mercy to receive treatment in the burn section of the hospital.
Alexis Typanski, a neighbour, said that she was asleep when the explosion occurred.
“I heard a ‘bang.’ It woke me awake since it was so loud. I initially believed it to be thunder from last night’s storms. My water bottle suddenly fell on me. I was trembling. I was so terrified,” she remarked.
