Current:Home > MyHouse explosion that killed 2 linked to propane system, authorities say -ProsperityStream Academy
House explosion that killed 2 linked to propane system, authorities say
View
Date:2025-04-17 11:11:03
CRESCENT, Pa. (AP) — A propane system is believed to have been the source of a massive explosion that killed two people and destroyed a house in the Pittsburgh area near the Ohio River earlier this year, authorities said.
A spokesperson for the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the investigation of the March 12 blast in Crescent Township had been closed and “will remain undetermined,” but “the source of the blast is related to the privately owned propane system.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s safety division said Tuesday it had concluded its probe and found no evidence linking the blast to natural gas service under public utility jurisdiction. The home had no public utility natural gas service, and while Columbia Gas has natural gas mains in the general area, there were no utility gas mains in the immediate vicinity and no utility gas leaks were found, the commission said.
The commission noted, however, that “while there was no public utility natural gas service connected to the home, a private natural gas well and propane tank were located on the property – which are both outside the PUC’s jurisdiction.”
Aerial images from the scene in Crescent Township in the northwest Pittsburgh suburbs showed smoking ruins with the structure reduced to rubble and some large pieces lodged in trees above. Chief Andrew Tomer of the Crescent Township fire department said the blast was “severe, absolutely extreme — ... you could feel it in your chest.” The homeowners, 89-year-old David Mitchell and 87-year-old Helen Mitchell, were killed.
In August 2023, a blast in the borough of Plum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) away in the same county killed six people and destroyed three homes. Authorities said the cause was under investigation, but the explosion occurred inside one of the homes, ruling out an outside cause including wells, pipelines and other utilities.
veryGood! (58)
Related
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- San Diego raises bar to work with immigration officials ahead of Trump’s deportation efforts
- Horoscopes Today, December 11, 2024
- Epic Games to give refunds after FTC says it 'tricked' Fortnite players into purchases
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Mitt Romney’s Senate exit may create a vacuum of vocal, conservative Trump critics
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Here's how to make the perfect oven
Ranking
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Pakistan ex
- Apple, Android users on notice from FBI, CISA about texts amid 'massive espionage campaign'
- Rebecca Minkoff says Danny Masterson was 'incredibly supportive to me' at start of career
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- OCBC chief Helen Wong joins Ho Ching, Jenny Lee on Forbes' 100 most powerful women list
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Recommendation
Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
Australian man arrested for starting fire at Changi Airport
Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan
New York Climate Activists Urge Gov. Hochul to Sign ‘Superfund’ Bill
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Alex Jones keeps Infowars for now after judge rejects The Onion’s winning auction bid
Deadly chocolate factory caused by faulty gas fitting, safety board finds
Ohio Supreme Court sides with pharmacies in appeal of $650 million opioid judgment