PLUM, PA — A year after the tragic explosion that shattered the Rustic Ridge neighborhood in Plum, the community is coming together to remember the six lives lost in the disaster. On Monday, August 12, residents, family members, and local leaders will participate in memorial events to honor the victims and reflect on the impact of the tragedy that continues to reverberate through the area.
Remembering the Victims
The explosion, which occurred on August 12, 2023, claimed the lives of six beloved community members: Casey and Keegan Clontz, a father and son; Heather and Paul Oravitz, a married couple; and Kevin Sebunia and Michael Thomas. The devastating blast not only took these lives but also destroyed three homes and damaged several others, leaving an indelible mark on the Plum community.
To commemorate the anniversary, St. Januarius Church, located near the Rustic Ridge neighborhood, will toll its bells at 10:23 a.m., the exact time the explosion occurred. This poignant moment of silence will allow community members to offer prayers and reflect on the lives lost. Later in the day, the church will hold a memorial service at 6:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for the community to come together in grief, support, and remembrance.
Ongoing Investigation
As the community gathers to honor the victims, the investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal (ACFM) confirmed on Monday that the inquiry has been both extensive and meticulous, involving multiple investigative techniques. These have included interviews with witnesses, investigative photography and videography, drone imagery, 3D scans of the site, and detailed examination of utility connections and circuitry.
In a recent update, the ACFM announced plans for a joint evidence examination, although a specific date has not been set as protocols for the testing procedures are still being developed. “This investigation has been extensive and thorough and there is no time frame for when it will be complete,” read a portion of the ACFM’s official release.
Parallel to the county’s investigation, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has conducted its own inquiry into whether public utility assets were involved in the explosion. The PUC recently concluded that no evidence links any public utility jurisdictional assets to the cause of the explosion, ruling out this potential source.
A Community United in Tragedy
The Rustic Ridge explosion has left a lasting impact on Plum, a close-knit community that has rallied together in the face of loss and uncertainty. Over the past year, residents have supported each other through the rebuilding process, both physically and emotionally. As the community continues to seek answers, the shared experiences of grief and recovery have strengthened the bonds among neighbors.
Monday’s memorial events serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity of the Plum community. Even as they mourn, the people of Plum are committed to honoring the memory of those lost by coming together to heal, rebuild, and remember.
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The Plum community gathers to honor the six victims of last year’s Rustic Ridge explosion. Memorial events include a bell tolling and a service at St. Januarius Church. The investigation into the cause continues.
