People on social media are shouting “new fear unlocked” after learning that a faulty hot water tank was to blame in a home explosion that killed five people. It is also reported that the family of the home knew that the tank had issues prior to the tragic combustion.
Over the weekend, a home in Plum, Pennsylvania, a city outside of Pittsburgh, was caught on several doorbell surveillance cameras exploding out of nowhere, around 10:20 a.m. on Saturday (August 12).
RELATED: Florida Deputy Charged After Tasing A Man And Setting Him On Fire, Leaving 75% Of His Body Burnt
The unexpected tank explosion resulted in five people dying and severe damage to several other properties nearby. Allegheny County Government officials said, “A total of three structures were destroyed and at least a dozen more damaged in some way.”
When first responders from the local police and fire departments arrived, they discovered people trapped under debris and two others engulfed in fire. In addition to the police and fire officials who showed up, water tankers from Allegheny and Westmoreland counties rushed over, as well as tankers from 18 different fire departments.
Officials with the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office have since spoken out on the tragedy. On Monday evening (August 14), officials warned the public to keep away from the area in Plum as local law enforcement officials tried to piece together exactly what caused the destruction days before.
RELATED: Teen Left With Burns Covering Nearly 80 Percent Of His Body After TikTok Challenge
The Allegheny County fire marshal’s office said, “The Fire Marshal’s Office can confirm that it is aware that the homeowners at 141 Rustic Ridge Drive were having hot water tank issues. The tank was located in the basement of the home.”
Following the update, it was said that officials would be investigating the new information, “along with any and all other possibilities during their processes that may explain what occurred.”
Additionally, gas company, Peoples Gas, claimed that replacing a hot water heater doesn’t require a permit or the utility company’s permission. However, the company recommends that homeowners hire a qualified professional who can check that all home gas appliances are being installed, maintained and used properly.
RELATED: Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing Reveals He Was Hospitalized Due To An Explosion
Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel later revealed the victims of the home explosion. He announced that the town’s community development director, 51-year-old Heather Oravitz, and Plum Borough Manager Michael Thomas, 57, were killed in the blast, along with three others who lived in the neighborhood: Kevin Sebunia, 55; Casey Clontz, 38; and Clontz’s 12-year-old son, Keegan.
Additionally, it was reported that Oravitz’s husband, Paul, had suffered severe burns over most of his body, and as of Tuesday, he remained hospitalized in critical condition. Two others injured in the blast were treated at a hospital and released.
RELATED: Two Dead And Five Missing After Chocolate Factory Explosion In Pennsylvania
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!
View this post on Instagram