Crescent Township house explosion and fire leaves 2 dead and levels home; Pittsburgh-area responders rush to scene as smoke billows into sky
CRESCENT TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Two people died following a massive house explosion in Crescent Township that was heard and felt for miles in Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning.
"It was complete devastation when we first arrived on scene," Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Andrew Tomer said.
The explosion was first reported at 8:54 a.m. on Riverview Road in Crescent Township, Allegheny County. Multiple units from several municipalities responded to the scene, along with natural gas workers.
"Severe, absolutely extreme," Chief Tomer said. "I know the reports that the explosion was heard and felt throughout all of Crescent, Moon (Township), into Robinson (Township), across the river. It was a decent-sized explosion."
A man and a woman died in the explosion, Chief Tomer said. They were later identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office as 87-year-old Helen Mitchell and 89-year-old David Mitchell Jr. Neighbors said they were the sweetest couple and their daughter lived next door.
Heavy black smoke was seen billowing into the sky after the explosion. The home's foundation and hillside were on fire when firefighters arrived at the scene.
"We all felt and heard the explosion," Chef Tomer said. "Instantly, a column of white smoke up in the air, followed by a thick column of black smoke."
The home where the explosion happened was leveled down to its foundation. Two other homes nearby were damaged, Tomer said. The debris from the blast also landed in trees, yards of neighbors and the Ohio River down the hill.
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal and ATF are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Columbia Gas crews were also at the scene; however, a spokesperson said the company did not serve the home involved. Instead, it said the home that exploded was served by a private gas well on the property.
Chief Tomer said both the gas well and a propane well were secured.
"The private gas well was secured by a gas company rep that was in the area and then the propane tanks that are on site were also secured. Other than that, there's no other utilities up in that area," he said. "The power was secured to the initial explosion building."
Columbia Gas said its crews stayed at the scene to help emergency officials. In its statement, the spokesperson said, "Our thoughts are with those impacted by the incident."
KDKA-TV looked at the state's oil and gas map and didn't see any kind of well listed for that address.
Allegheny County Emergency Services was also on the scene to help first responders. The explosion happened in a remote location and officials are asking the public to stay out of the area.
In addition to first responders from Crescent Township, officials from Moon Township, Sewickley and Ambridge emergency workers were all called to the scene. In all, about 50 people were called to deal with the fire and aftermath.
