Residents of Plum, Pennsylvania awoke to tragedy on Saturday morning as an explosion in the borough left at least five dead, four adults and one teenager, and several more injured.
The blast occurred around 10:20 a.m., and when responders arrived, they found multiple injuries and two homes engulfed in fire, with one that appeared to have exploded, and several more with windows blown out. Three structures were destroyed and at least a dozen more were damaged.
Three victims were sent to nearby hospitals in stable condition, while a fourth remains in critical condition. Around 20 firefighters also needed to be evaluated, many for heat exhaustion.
Governor Josh Shapiro tweeted his support for the victims and stated that his office is working with state emergency management officials to provide support. The Red Cross and Salvation Army have also stepped in to help, providing assistance to those affected.
The tragedy marks a somber day for Plum Borough, and for the region at large. Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Administrator, commented: “This is certainly a sad, sad day and a sad moment, not just for the people of Plum, but for all the people of the community and this region.”
Local authorities and the fire marshal’s office are attempting to discern the cause of the explosion, while the state public utilities commission and other local utilities are on the scene. Community members are being urged to take advantage of the disaster hotline and other available assistance.
With information from AP
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