Four Dead and One Unaccounted for After Devastating House Explosion in Plum, Pennsylvania

Four people are dead and one is unaccounted for following a devastating house explosion in Plum, Pennsylvania on Saturday morning.

The explosion occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m. and destroyed three structures and damaged at least a dozen others. Allegheny County officials reported that three people were taken to hospitals, one of whom was in critical condition, while two were treated and released.

More than 20 firefighters were evaluated for heat exhaustion while responding to the incident. Responding officers and firefighters arrived to find “people trapped under the debris,” Allegheny County officials reported.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. County officials said they are working with the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the cause.

The incident has left the community of Plum in shock. “It’s a tragedy,” said Plum Mayor Richard Hrivnak. “It’s a tragedy for the families and the community. We’re all in shock.”