Retired couple in their 80s ID'd as victims in massive house explosion near Pittsburgh
A retired couple died Tuesday near Pittsburgh when their house exploded, shooting debris into trees and the nearby Ohio River.
They were 89-year-old David Mitchell Jr. and 87-year-old Helen Mitchell, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner.
Explosion: Massive house explosion near Pittsburgh kills 2, debris from blast scattered for miles
What happened during the explosion?
Allegheny County Emergency Services is assisting first responders in Crescent Township following a house explosion on the 1400 block of Riverview Road. This remains an active incident. The scene is in a remote location and we’re asking everyone to avoid the area in order to allow… pic.twitter.com/58WZuuPDow
— Allegheny County (@Allegheny_Co) March 12, 2024
The explosion occurred just before 9 a.m. in Crescent Township, Pennsylvania, on the 1400 block of Riverview Road.
It completely leveled the house and left the smoldering crater that was the basement and foundation. Next to the hole were the remains of some walls.
Debris from the explosion littered the property, hung in the canopy of nearby trees and landed in the Ohio River, which is roughly half a mile away.
The force from the blast damaged at least two nearby houses and shook homes miles away, according to the Crescent Township Fire Department.
What caused the explosion?
No cause has yet been determined as the explosion remains under investigation, according to the department.
The home used a private gas well and had propane tanks on the property, said Andrew Tomer, Crescent Township fire division chief. Both were secured immediately following the explosion.
It is unclear if the private gas well played a role in the blast.
Local police department warns against scammers
Scammers are taking advantage of the Crescent Township tragedy, according to the township police department.
Multiple unauthorized fundraisers have cropped up seeking financial aid in support of the family, but the family has not endorsed any such initiative, the department wrote on Facebook.
"At this time, the family is navigating through the immense pain and grief of their loss," police said on Facebook. "Exploiting their tragedy for personal gain is reprehensible and utterly unacceptable."
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Retired Crescent Township couple ID'd in Pittsburgh house explosion
