Western Pennsylvania house explosion kills 5, including one child

A western Pennsylvania town was rocked with tragedy after a home explosion left multiple dead, including children, and sparked multiple fires.

According to Just The News, the tragic incident occurred on Saturday in Plum Borough, PA. Sadly, five people, including one child, were killed in the explosion.

The explosion destroyed three structures and according to the Associated Press, damaged a dozen more. The five victims were later discovered in the rubble from the massive explosion.

"This is certainly a sad, sad day and a sad time, for not just the folks in Plum but all the folks in the community and in this region," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

It reportedly took 18 fire departments working together to control the resulting fires from the explosion.

Multiple videos were posted to social media that captured the incredibly powerful explosion. Debris can be seen raining down on neighboring homes in the subdivision.

Four Adults And A Child Have Passed Following A House Explosion In Pennsylvania. Three People From Surrounding Homes Were Rushed To Hospitals, One Of Which Is Currently In Critical Condition. 😳🤯 pic.twitter.com/LYyw5QZDDD

— 🚘BrutalCams🎥 (@BrutalCams) August 15, 2023

The AP noted:

Of the three people taken to hospitals, two were released while one remained in critical condition, said Steve Imbarlina, deputy director of fire and emergency services for Allegheny County. Fifty-seven firefighters were treated at the scene for minor issues.

First responders and neighbors can be seen scrambling around the wreckage and debris from the explosion.

Crazy scene in Plum, Pennsylvania where multiple victims are reported following a home explosion. pic.twitter.com/BYKgV1i5Yr

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) August 12, 2023

It's still unclear what caused the explosion, but an investigation is ongoing. Many believe it was a gas explosion.

"Despite what is being reported on the Plum, Pennsylvania house explosion, I DEFINITELY think it was a gas explosion. Watch the video below and let me know what you think," one X user wrote in reply to the video footage of the incident.

The deceased were recently identified, according to ABC News.

"The Plum Borough officials and the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner identified them as Casey Clontz, 38; his son, Keegan Clontz, 12; Heather Oravitz, 51; Kevin Sebunia, 55; and Michael Thomas, 57," the outlet reported.