A massive explosion earlier this year in Crescent Township near Pittsburgh, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the destruction of a house, is believed to have originated from a propane system, according to authorities. Investigations into the incident on March 12 have concluded with the source of the blast being linked to a privately owned propane system that was on the property.
The Allegheny County fire marshal’s office announced the closure of the investigation, stating that while the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, the privately owned propane system is believed to be the source. Following the incident, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s safety division conducted its own probe and determined that there was no connection between the blast and natural gas service under public utility jurisdiction.
The commission clarified that the home did not have access to public utility natural gas service, and investigations revealed no leaks from utility gas mains in the immediate vicinity. However, it was noted that the property did have a private natural gas well and propane tank, both of which fell outside the commission’s jurisdiction.
Aerial images of the aftermath in Crescent Township depicted the devastation caused by the explosion, with the house reduced to rubble and debris scattered around the area, including large pieces lodged in trees. Chief Andrew Tomer of the Crescent Township fire department described the blast as severe and extreme, indicating the powerful impact it had on the surroundings. The two victims of the explosion were identified as 89-year-old David Mitchell and 87-year-old Helen Mitchell.
Another explosion that took place in August 2023 in Plum, approximately 25 miles away from Crescent Township and in the same county, resulted in the deaths of six individuals and destruction of three homes. Investigations into the Plum incident were ongoing, with authorities ruling out external factors such as wells, pipelines, and utilities as the cause, as the explosion originated inside one of the homes. Both incidents highlight the importance of safety measures and regular inspections for residential gas systems to prevent such tragic events.
