13 August 2023 , 20:06
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Ring camera footage captured the terrifying moment a house exploded in a blast that killed five in a residential street.
Five people were found dead after the blast in western Pennsylvania that destroyed three structures and damaged at least a dozen others, authorities said Sunday.
And a video has circulated on social media showing the horrific moment of the explosion on a Ring camera installed on a front door opposite.
The blast sends debris flying into the air as the house is completely destroyed - the force was so strong that a sign falls in front of the camera due to the shockwave.
Plum Borough Police Chief Lanny Conley said the bodies of four adults and one child were recovered after the blast shortly before 10.30am on Saturday in the borough, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh.
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The blast sends debris flying into the air (WTAE-TV Pittsburgh)"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.
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.
Ring camera footage captured the terrifying moment a house exploded (WTAE-TV Pittsburgh)A total of 57 firefighters were treated at the scene for minor issues. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to provide additional information about the deceased victims.
"Please give us some time to deal with this situation and give the families your respect and give them some space to deal with this tragedy," Conley said.
Emergency responders reported people trapped under debris after the blast levelled one house and left two others engulfed in flames, county spokesperson Amie Downs said.
A total of 18 fire departments responded to calls to the explosion (Twitter/rawsalert)Crews from at least 18 fire departments worked to douse the flames with the help of water tankers from Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the county fire marshal's office along with borough and county law enforcement.
Imbarlina warned that the investigation would be a "slow and long process" that would include a lot of forensic testing and could last "months if not years."
The extent of the destruction can be seen from the airGas and electric service was shut off as a precaution, and officials said Sunday a plan was in place to begin restoring service with electric power expected to be returned to all but a few residences, officials said.
Gov Josh Shapiro said he and the first lady were "praying for the families" affected and promised them that "as you rebuild, we will have your back."
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