The owners of a home that exploded in western Pennsylvania last weekend were having issues with their hot water tank, authorities said.
Emergency responders said people were trapped under debris when they arrived to the scene. County spokesperson Amie Downs said the blast leveled one house and two others were on fire.Fifty-seven firefighters were treated at the scene for minor issues, according to Steve Imbarlina, deputy director of fire and emergency services for Allegheny County.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Allegheny County fire marshal's office, along with local law enforcement. The investigation was expected to be a "slow and long process," Imbarlina said. The fire marshal's office said in a statement Monday that it was aware of the reported hot water tank issues at the home. The agency planned to investigate the cause of the blast, with the hot water tank issue in mind, and "along with any and all other possibilities," the statement said.Michael Huwar, president of Peoples Gas, said official checks by the company indicated that "our system was operating as designed.
Gas and electric service had been cut off in the area as a precaution, but a plan was in place as of Sunday to restore services.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
5 dead after Pennsylvania house explosionFour unidentified adults and one teenager are the victims in the blast that occurred about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh on Saturday morning, officials said.
Read more »
Horrifying video captures house exploding in Pennsylvania, killing five peopleThe house on Rustic Ridge Drive in Plum Borough is seen in doorbell camera footage exploding in a giant fireball Saturday.
Read more »
Shocking Video Shows Pennsylvania House Explode, Killing 5New released video shows the dramatic moment that a Plum, Pennsylvania, home exploded on Saturday, killing at least five people.
Read more »
Pennsylvania house explosion: What we know so farOfficials have said they do not know the cause of the explosion at this time.
Read more »
Pennsylvania theme park opening largest 'Sesame Street' store in the countrySesame Place, the only 'Sesame Street'-centered theme park on the East Coast, plans to open the largest retail store dedicated to the popular children's show this fall.
Read more »
Pennsylvania township’s problem with dirt bikes ‘a danger to the community’ | Today in Pa.Central Bucks proposed gender policy. Bensalem dirt bike problems. SEPTA delays. Susquehanna mermaids.
Read more »