An explosion that shook the Plum suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 12, has resulted in the deaths of five people.
Officials confirmed on Sunday, August 13, that the fifth person, previously unaccounted for, was found dead. Due to unfavorable weather conditions and safety concerns immediately after the explosion, the search had been temporarily halted.
On Saturday, Plum Police Detective James Little announced the suspension, emphasizing the safety of the first responders.
The explosion occurred around 10:23 am near Rustic Ridge Drive and Brookside Drive.
One house was completely destroyed, and two others were set ablaze. Several other homes in the vicinity sustained damage, including shattered windows. Police and firefighters said that people were trapped under the debris.
In addition to the five deceased victims, three injured people were taken to local hospitals. Two have since been released in stable condition, while the third remains in critical condition.
Witnesses provided descriptions of the scene. Rafal Kolankowski, a local resident, mentioned that the explosion shattered his windows.
Another resident, George Emanuele, assisted in rescuing a man from the vicinity of the blast before the fire intensified.
County officials reported that three homes were destroyed and more than a dozen others sustained varying degrees of damage. Eighteen fire departments, along with water tankers from both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, responded.
Crews worked to control the flames, and gas lines were secured. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
A total of 57 firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.