“Co-owner of Exploded Home in Pennsylvania Dies Alongside Wife and Four Others”

The co-owner of a home in Plum, Pennsylvania, that exploded last weekend has died from his injuries. Paul Oravitz, 56, suffered severe burns in the blast, which also killed his wife and four others. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but officials believe it may be related to issues with the couple’s hot water tank. The explosion destroyed three structures and damaged several others. The investigation is being led by the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office and local law enforcement. Bill Shannon reported

The co-owner of a residence that exploded in Plum, Pennsylvania, last weekend has tragically passed away due to injuries sustained in the blast. Paul Oravitz, aged 56, suffered severe burns across his body and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday at a hospital in Pittsburgh. The explosion, which claimed the lives of Oravitz’s wife and four others, occurred in Plum, a town located approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh. The cause of the explosion, which caused significant damage to three structures and impacted several others, is currently under investigation. Authorities have indicated that the Oravitz couple was experiencing difficulties with their hot water tank, but the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office and local law enforcement are conducting a thorough inquiry to determine the exact cause.

The incident took place shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, resulting in the tragic deaths of Heather Oravitz, aged 51, who served as Plum’s community development director, Michael Thomas, aged 57, Plum Borough Manager, and three other individuals residing in the neighborhood: Kevin Sebunia, aged 55, Casey Clontz, aged 38, and Clontz’s 12-year-old son, Keegan.

The residential development where the explosion occurred is situated on abandoned mine land, surrounded by shallow oil and gas wells, some of which have been abandoned. While two gas-producing wells are within approximately 1000 feet of the exploded home, and a pipeline runs behind the development, no evidence has yet linked these structures to the blast, according to reports.

Michael Huwar, the president of Peoples Gas, stated that the company’s official checks indicated their system was functioning as intended. Following additional system testing conducted in collaboration with the Fire Marshal’s office and the state Public Utility Commission, Peoples Gas is now able to begin restoring gas service. Technicians from the company will conduct safety checks and relight customers’ appliances by visiting each residence individually.

Regarding electrical service, a county spokesperson confirmed that it had been restored to all homes, except for the three that were destroyed, by Sunday afternoon. Gas service had also been reinstated to all homes, except for the loop where the blast occurred and two spur roads.

The investigation into this devastating incident is ongoing, as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the explosion..