Sixth Person Dies After Plum House Explosion Over the Weekend
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A sixth person has tragically died after a house exploded in Plum over the weekend. Paul Oravitz, 56, passed away on Wednesday, four days after the deadly blast in the Rustic Ridge neighborhood. He had been taken to a local hospital in critical condition following the explosion.
Oravitz’s wife, Heather, also lost her life when their home on Rustic Ridge Drive exploded on Saturday. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the other victims as 38-year-old Casey Clontz, 12-year-old Keegan Clontz, 55-year-old Kevin Sebunia, and 57-year-old Michael Thomas.
The six individuals who died in the Plum house explosion were a close-knit group, many of whom were united by their love for youth soccer. They leave behind a lasting impact that will not be forgotten.
Fred Lucas, who heads up the Plum Area Youth Soccer Club, spoke about the devastating loss. He had known Paul for 20 years, ever since Paul’s daughter started playing for the club. Lucas described Paul as someone who was always there to help and support others.
“He was one of a kind,” Lucas said. “When you met him, you liked him, simple as that.”
Paul had been a dedicated volunteer for the soccer club, holding various positions over the years, including treasurer. Heather was always by his side, providing support and even bringing drinks and oranges for the kids’ team.
Kevin Sebunia, a longtime board member, and Michael Thomas, the borough manager, were also heavily involved in the soccer club. Sebunia had spent a significant amount of time dedicated to the organization, even helping cook for a recent coaches’ game. Thomas had served on the board for several years and was committed to improving the borough.
“All of these individuals had a common quality – they cared about the borough, they cared about kids, and they wanted to make sure things worked right,” Lucas said.
Lucas emphasized that the soccer club had come a long way over the years, thanks in large part to the contributions of these individuals. He pledged to carry on their legacy and ensure that the program continues to thrive.
“They would want us to keep going. They would want us to keep it strong. They
How are authorities and community members working together to promote safety measures and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future
Ther, and their three children were also killed in the blast. The family’s home on Longwood Drive exploded on Saturday morning, causing widespread damage and shaking nearby houses.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion. While natural gas has been identified as a potential factor, the exact cause has not yet been determined. The investigation is expected to take some time due to the extensive damage to the home.
Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom and feeling their houses shake at the time of the explosion. Many rushed to the scene to help, but were met with a devastating scene of destruction. First responders arrived quickly and worked to rescue those trapped inside the collapsed structure.
Multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation. They are working to determine if there were any safety violations or negligence that may have contributed to the explosion.
Local residents have been expressing their condolences and support for the victims’ families. A makeshift memorial has been set up near the site of the explosion, with flowers and messages of sympathy. Efforts are also underway to raise funds for funeral expenses and support the surviving family members.
The community is shaken by this tragic event, with many now concerned about the safety of their own homes. Some have questioned if there were any warning signs or issues with the house that could have been addressed before the explosion occurred.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activities or concerns about gas pipelines in the area. They are also reminding everyone to be vigilant about safety measures, such as properly maintaining gas lines and installing carbon monoxide detectors.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of our homes and communities. As the community mourns the loss of the Oravitz family and the other victims, efforts will continue to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this devastating tragedy.
This is truly heartbreaking. Sending love and support to the community during this difficult time.