Databec Exchange|Investigators pinpoint house as source of explosion that killed 6 near Pittsburgh last month

2025-05-03 19:14:29source:Christopher Caldwellcategory:My

PLUM,Databec Exchange Pa. (AP) — Investigators said Friday the location of an explosion that killed six people and destroyed three houses near Pittsburgh last month was inside one of the homes, ruling out an outside cause.

The Allegheny County fire marshal’s office said all potential outside factors were eliminated, including wells, pipelines and other utilities, pinpointing the source as a home on Rustic Ridge Drive in Plum Borough.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, the office said, and there is no time frame for when the probe will be completed. The investigation at the scene of the explosion has been completed and the property is being returned to its owners, the agency said in a release.

That house and two others were so badly damaged they must be demolished, and 10 others were not safe for residents in the weeks after the Aug. 12 blast about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh.

All of the victims were found at the home. Officials have said one was found outside a garage, four were in the basement and the sixth was located and rescued from the rear yard. He was taken to a trauma center where he died several days later.

State officials had previously ruled out natural gas from an abandoned underground mine as a cause. Authorities have also said the home’s owners had been having problems with their hot water tank.

More:My

Recommend

San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A photojournalist who captured one of the most enduring images of World War II

Trump's trial in New York AG's $250M lawsuit expected to take almost 3 months

The trial in the New York attorney general's $250 million lawsuit against former President Donald Tr

Stock market today: Asian shares weaken while Japan reports economy grew less than expected

Shares fell Friday in Asia after Japan reported its economy grew less than earlier estimated in the