Plum, PA House Explosion

On August 12, 2023, a house explosion on Rustic Ridge Drive in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania, resulted in six deaths and significant damage to surrounding properties. The initial explosion occurred in one house, then engulfed two neighboring homes in flames. The shockwave from the blast was felt throughout the neighborhood and caused damage to at least a dozen other homes. 

• Location:The explosion occurred on Rustic Ridge Drive in Plum Borough, a suburb northeast of Pittsburgh. 
• Timing:The explosion happened on the morning of August 12, 2023, around 10:25 am. 
• Destruction:The explosion destroyed the primary house and two adjacent homes, while damaging at least a dozen more homes. 
• Injuries and Deaths:Six people were killed in the explosion, and three others were injured and taken to the hospital. 
• Initial Cause Suspicions:Initial reports suggested a gas explosion, with focus on a hot water tank that was experiencing issues. 
• Investigation:Investigators from the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office and the PUC have been conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. 
• Follow-up Interviews:Officials are conducting follow-up interviews with responders and witnesses as part of the investigation. 
• Focus Remains Inside:While initial reports focused on potential gas leaks, the investigation has also focused on other potential sources of ignition inside the home. 
• Safety Measures:The Fire Marshal’s Office has encouraged residents to install combustible gas detectors and has provided safety tips in case of gas leaks. 

Every year, hundreds of natural gas leaks and explosions put families, homes, and entire neighborhoods at risk. 

That’s why the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued a formal recommendation:

All states should require natural gas alarms in homes.  

Why? Because too many preventable tragedies are happening in silence. And most people don’t realize: 

⚠️ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors do not detect natural gas.